Qatar Sport

Doha: During the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at Lusail Stadium, Media City Qatar revealed the new song ‘Nabd Qatar’ as the centerpiece of this year’s ‘Qatar SoundBeat’ campaign, in the presence of national leadership, government officials, visiting dignitaries, and football fans. The premiere took place during the match, uniting spectators from across the MENA region in a shared moment of national celebration on Qatar National Day. Conceived and composed by regionally acclaimed musician Omar Rahbany, and produced by Rahbani 3.0, one of Media City Qatar’s licensed companies, the premiere unfolded with the song accompanied by a synchronized light show, transforming Lusail Stadium into a canvas of sound and light on one of the Arab world’s biggest stages. The song, performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, brings together the talent of 68 musicians and the sounds of 30 instruments in a rich orchestral arrangement. ‘Nabd Qatar’ draws inspiration from the nation’s defining sounds beginning with Ardha sword dance chants written by H.E. Mr. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali,and extending to the hum of desert dunes, the whisper of wind, the flight of a falcon, the echo of an Arabian horse’s gallop, the flutter of the flag, and the beat of a heart. The song is shaped through three eras of sound - ‘Tradition’, ‘Classical’ and ‘Modernity’ – that come together to tell the story of a nation that honors its roots while contributing to a broader future for Arab creativity. The lyrics, drafted by Abdullah Khaled Abdulquddus, are rooted in thousands of public contributions gathered during Media City Qatar’s Guinness World Record-setting ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ campaign for Qatar National Day 2024, transforming the nation’s words into a musical tribute to unity and shared identity. The storytelling was further extended through an exclusive music video, directed by renowned filmmaker Karim Rahbani, which was released across Media City Qatar’s social media platforms to reach audiences in Qatar and beyond. Chairman of Media City Qatar H E Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani said:“‘Qatar SoundBeat’ turns our nation’s raw sounds into a single piece unveiled on the international stage of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final before more than 88,000 spectators from across the Arab world. Media City Qatar used this moment to send a clear message to the region’s creative community: The future of Arab media is being shaped here. It calls every creator in our region to look to Qatar as a place where new ideas can grow. This is ‘Where Next is Made.’ As we mark Qatar National Day, we continue to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by building a media industry that honors our heritage and prepares us for a creative future.”

Football

Doha: Coach Tariq Sektioui sank to his knees, bowing in prostration, while jubilant players clung to one another in a mix of relief and euphoria as Morocco clinched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a rollercoaster final. Hana Ramadan/The Peninsula The Lusail Stadium, which hosted the memorable FIFA World Cup 2022 final, delivered another blockbuster title clash that swung both ways on Thursday night. Despite rare rains coinciding with Qatar’s National Day celebrations, over 85,500 spectators packed the stadium, creating a cauldron-like atmosphere. It was Morocco’s second Arab Cup trophy since their triumph in 2012, and their first under FIFA’s banner, with the inaugural edition having been won by Algeria — also in Qatar, which will host the 2029 and 2033 editions of the regional competition. The final had all the ingredients of a pulsating battle. Oussama Tannane’s strike from around 60 yards handed Morocco an early lead and sent the crowd into a frenzy, only for Jordan to hit back through Ali Olwan, who headed an equaliser early in the second half and later converted a penalty to put Jamal Sellami’s side ahead. Morocco’s Abderrazzaq Hamdallah equalised with just two minutes remaining and then scored the winner in extra time, sealing the trophy. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, crowned Morocco champions as the 18-day spectacle, featuring 32 matches and several records, concluded in great fashion. Jordan’s impressive run, finishing as the highest-scoring team with 12goals, ended in heartbreak, but the team will return home confident as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Olwan finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals. Hana Ramadan/The Peninsula The final started at a frenetic pace, with both teams earning set pieces outside the box. Tannane’s spectacular strike then stunned Jordan and their supporters. The Umm Salal winger fired from well inside his own half, beyond the halfway line, finding the right corner of Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila’s net. Abulaila, caught off his line, collided with the post and required on-pitch treatment. The Jordan goalkeeper later redeemed himself by diving to block Karim El Berkaoui’s low drive. Jordan responded with several attacks but were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s defence. Alexandra Evangelista/The Peninsula Morocco's forward #9 Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP) Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid comfortably collected Husam Abudahab’s tame header, Jordan’s first effort on target, after the half-hour mark. Tannane almost doubled his tally late in the first half, but Issam Smeeri blocked his shot with the goalkeeper off guard. The second half began in Jordan’s favour as they quickly drew level. Mohannad Abu Taha delivered a precise cross from the left, and Olwan rose highest to head in from close range. The goal energised the match and electrified the crowd. Notably, it was Benabid’s first goal conceded to an opponent since an own goal against Comoros in the group stage. Jordan's forward #9 Ali Olwan celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP) Jordan’s momentum continued. Nizar Al Rashdan tested Morocco with a low shot from outside the box that went wide. The breakthrough came when VAR ruled a handball by Achraf El Mahdioui inside the box from Mahmoud Al Mardi’s attempt, awarding Jordan a penalty. Olwan stepped up and converted to put Jordan ahead. Jordan remained composed, testing Morocco’s defence with calculated attacks and refusing to sit back. But, Morocco staged a dramatic late revival. With just two minutes remaining, a corner saw Abulaila block a header, but his clearance fell to Hamadallah, who struck the left post before chipping the ball onto the roof of the net to equalise. VAR allowed the goal after an initial offside call. In nine minutes of stoppage time, Olwan came close to winning it, his shot from the centre of the box sailing over the bar. The striker later faced a one-on-one with the goalkeeper on a counterattack but could not convert, sending the match into extra time. Extra time drama began immediately as Abu Taha thought he had regained Jordan’s lead with a left-footed strike, but VAR disallowed the goal for handball. Ten minutes later, Morocco won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Hamadallah struck from close range to secure the trophy. Morocco will head home for the African Cup of Nations kicking on Sunday before they start their preparations for the World Cup. Third position match cancelled Earlier, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 third-place playoff between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium was abandoned before the start of the second half after the referee decided not to resume play, citing the prolonged stoppage caused by adverse and unpredictable weather conditions and concerns for player safety. The first half of the rain-affected match ended scoreless. “While the venue retained full operational integrity and the pitch remained in good condition, this action was taken by the referee and match officials to ensure the safety of all the players, fans and staff at the stadium,” FIFA said. “The decision to award the Third Place winner will be decided in due course by the relevant committee within FIFA.”

Qatar Sport

The final day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is here, featuring two decisive clashes as Saudi Arabia faces the UAE in the third-place playoff, before Jordan and Morocco battle it out under the lights in the grand final. Who will finish strong, and who will lift the trophy tonight at Lusail? ⚽⚽ Stay tuned as The Peninsula brings you more live updates from the matches _______________________________________________________________ MAN OF THE MATCH! View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar) MATCH ENDS! Jordan 2-3 Morocco 116' NIZAR ALRASHDAN (Jordan) attempts an effort on goal. EXTRA TIME ( SECOND HALF STARTED) Fifteen minutes separate Morocco from a dream triumph, while Jordan chase renewed hope GOAAAAAAAAAAAL! Hamdallah strikes again to put Morocco back in the lead! After a VAR review, Mohannad Abutaha’s goal for Jordan is ruled out. SECOND HALF ENDS! Jordan 2-2 Morocco Ali Olwan goes one-on-one with the Moroccan goalkeeper but fails to find the net. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar) View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar) GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL After a VAR review, the goal is awarded to Morocco — scored by Hamdallah Jordan 2-2 Morocco View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar) 78'Mounir CHOUIAR (Morocco) attempts an effort on goal. GOAAAAAAAAAAAL Ali Olwan converts from the penalty spot to double Jordan’s lead!" 65'After a VAR review, the referee awards a penalty to Jordan. 58'Nizar Al Rashdan’s long-range shot flashes just wide of the Moroccan goal. 48'GOAL! Ali Olwan strikes in the second half to equalize for Jordan against Morocco Second half begins!! HALF TIME! Jordan 0-1 Morocco 45' 5 mins additional time 40'Jordanian defender Issam Smeeri makes a phenomenal goal-line clearance after the Moroccan effort beats the goalkeeper 35' The goalkeeper of Morocco pulls off a save. Thirty minutes into the game, Jordan continue searching for an equalizer while Morocco push to double their lead. 21'MOHANNAD ABUTAHA (Jordan) attempts an effort on goal. Fans Celebration View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar) 13'Beautiful one-two play from Morocco ends with El Berkaoui’s shot, but the Jordan keeper reacts well to clear it 5'GOAAAAAAL! Jordan 0-1 Morocco What a strike by Morocco! Oussama Tannane fires a sensational shot from the center of the pitch that flies into the net past the Jordanian goalkeeper! Match Started! Jordon 0-0 Morocco Fans Arrival!