By Gary Al-Smith, Doha, Qatar

In a defining moment for Arab football, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 ongoing in Qatar surpassed the one-million mark in stadium attendance following the quarterfinal stage, setting a new benchmark for regional tournaments. It also signaled the competition’s ascent onto the global stage, while offering lessons for Africa.

The total turnout reached 1,022,592 spectators as the quarterfinals concluded on Friday, with the mark reached in the UAE’s 7-6 victory over Algeria on penalties (1-1 in regulation time).

This figure that represents not merely numbers in seats but a seismic shift in the trajectory of Arab football, and equally as important, a sign to African football that planning and consistency does eventually pay off.

To contextualize the achievement: the 2021 edition drew 571,605 total fans across its entire run, meaning that this 2025 tournament has nearly doubled that figure before even reaching its finale.

A Testament to Growing Stature

The milestone carries particular weight as only the second edition organized under FIFA’s umbrella, following the governing body’s decision to institutionalize the competition. What began as a regional tournament with sporadic scheduling has transformed into a fixture on the international calendar, with future editions confirmed through 2033.

The group stage alone attracted a record-breaking 812,318 fans across 24 matches, outpacing the entire 2021 tournament before knockout rounds even began. The quarterfinals added over 200,000 more spectators in just four matches, demonstrating sustained engagement rather than isolated peaks.

The numbers tell a story of competitive intensity matched by public passion. The Morocco-Saudi Arabia clash drew 78,131 fans, establishing a new all-time tournament record that eclipsed the previous high of 63,439 from 2021. The Saudi Arabia-Palestine quarterfinal followed closely with 77,197 spectators, transforming Lusail Stadium into what observers described as a cauldron of regional pride.

An inspirational blueprint for Africa’s regional competitions

For other regional tournaments such as Africa’s WAFU, CECAFA and COSAFA, who are all seeking to elevate their profile, the Arab Cup offers a compelling blueprint. Several elements stand out as replicable models:

Infrastructure Investment: Quality venues matter. The Arab Cup benefits from stadiums designed for the highest level of competition, creating an environment where fans feel they are witnessing something significant.

Institutional Backing: FIFA’s involvement provides both credibility and organizational expertise. The governing body’s commitment to multiple future editions creates certainty that encourages long-term fan investment in the tournament’s narrative.

Cultural Integration: Beyond the stadiums, Qatar’s fan zones at locations including Katara, Msheireb, Souq Waqif, Lusail, and The Pearl have offered immersive experiences blending entertainment and heritage. The tournament has become more than football matches; it is positioned as a celebration of Arab culture and unity.

Consistent Scheduling: By establishing a regular four-year cycle, the tournament allows narratives to build and rivalries to deepen. Fans can plan around it, creating ritual and tradition.

Competitive Integrity: The quality on the pitch validates the spectacle off it. With established powers and emerging nations competing on relatively equal footing, every match carries genuine consequence.

Why This Milestone Matters

The significance extends beyond impressive attendance figures. For decades, regional tournaments outside Europe and South America have struggled to capture sustained public imagination or international recognition. The Arab Cup’s transformation challenges that narrative.

Seven of the participating nations have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, indicating that the tournament features genuine competitive quality rather than serving as merely ceremonial. The technical level has drawn comparisons to continental championships, with observers noting that the intensity rivals that of the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Perhaps most importantly, the milestone validates FIFA’s investment in the tournament. By lending its organizational expertise and global brand, FIFA has helped elevate what was once an inconsistently scheduled regional event into a competition that commands attention. The decision to host three consecutive editions in Qatar through 2033 provides the stability that breeds growth.

The infrastructure tells its own story. Qatar’s World Cup-standard venues have proven their versatility, transitioning seamlessly from hosting the planet’s premier tournament in 2022 to providing the backdrop for this regional celebration. The six stadiums hosting matches hold minimum capacities of 40,000, and they have been filled with energy that evokes memories of World Cup atmospheres.

Looking Forward

As the tournament enters its semifinal stage, attendance is expected to climb even higher. The trajectory suggests that the 2025 edition will not merely surpass its predecessor but will establish a new standard for what regional competitions can achieve.

For Arab football, the milestone represents validation of decades of development and investment. For global football, and African football in particular, it demonstrates that with the right combination of infrastructure, organization, and cultural resonance, regional tournaments can capture imagination on a scale once reserved for continental and global competitions.

The one-million-fan threshold is more than a number, but a sure signal that Arab football has arrived on the global stage, not as a curiosity but as a force. And for tournament organizers worldwide, it offers an inspiring reminder that with vision and commitment, regional competitions can transcend their traditional limitations and create something truly extraordinary.

The semifinals await, and with them, the opportunity to write the next chapter in what is rapidly becoming one of international football’s most compelling success stories.

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By Gary Al-Smith, Doha, Qatar

On the sidelines of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, an Observation Programme has commenced in Doha, bringing together 55 officials from football associations around the world for a five-day technical immersion designed to showcase Qatar’s expertise in staging major sporting events.

Organised by the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Qatar Football Association, the programme offers participants hands-on exposure to tournament operations across critical functional areas, including ticketing, medical services, security coordination, venue management and commercial rights delivery.

Delegates will also tour key sites such as stadiums, training complexes, the Main Media Centre and the accreditation hub.

“We created this programme because federations worldwide have been eager to learn from Qatar’s success in hosting world-class events,” said LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim.

“Sharing our expertise is central to our commitment to building a legacy that extends far beyond any single event.”

Since hosting the widely acclaimed FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar has continued to reinforce its status as a global sports destination.

The country has staged the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and recently broke new ground by hosting the first-ever 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which all 104 matches were played at a single venue.

Qatar is also hosting the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 during the rest days of the Arab Cup, demonstrating its ability to efficiently manage overlapping tournaments.

Participants say the programme is offering invaluable insights.

“It’s great to be in Qatar and be part of this knowledge-sharing opportunity,” said Natasha Al Naber, Competitions Officer at the West Asian Football Federation. “Understanding how multiple stakeholders work together here will help us enhance tournaments in our region.”

For Norman Gwangwadza, Head of Finance and Administration at the Zimbabwe Football Association, the experience has underscored the importance of operational alignment.

“Planning is key. Procurement, transportation and resource management are areas where Qatar excels, and I hope to apply these lessons back home,” he said.

Edna Nisola of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association said the programme has deepened her understanding of fan-engagement strategies.

“This has given me a fresh perspective on how Qatar consistently delivers exceptional fan experiences,” she noted.

The LOC also recently hosted delegations from the organising committees of the FIFA World Cup Saudi Arabia 2034 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, as Qatar continues to serve as a regional and global reference point for sports event delivery.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 continues in Doha this week, with the Observation Programme running alongside tournament operations.

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A world record run of 18 consecutive victories has set up Achraf Hakimi-inspired Morocco perfectly for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on home soil.

The streak began in June 2024 when they edged Zambia 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with the most recent a 4-0 hammering of Uganda last month in a friendly.

Spain had held the record since 2009 with 15 wins — a mark Morocco overtook by defeating Congo Brazzaville 1-0 two months ago in another World Cup qualifier.

Morocco have scored 55 goals in the 18 matches and conceded just four, while keeping 14 clean sheets.

It is this outstanding form, home advantage and the hoped-for presence of 2025 African player of the year Hakimi that has seen Morocco installed as firm favourites to be crowned African champions.

Paris Saint-German full-back Hakimi sprained an ankle after being fouled in a UEFA Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, but initial fears that he would miss the AFCON seem to be decreasing.

Speaking after the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington at the weekend, coach Walid Regragui said: “We hope he will be available for our first match against the Comoros.

“He is doing better. He is improving. He wants to be here (Morocco). He is our leader, our captain,” said the tactician who defied the odds by taking Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.

Hakimi, fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, goalkeeper Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and forward Youssef En Nesyri form the core of the Atlas Lions line-up.

While Hakimi, wearing a medical boot at the awards ceremony in Rabat to protect his injury, was hailed as the best player in the continent, Saudi Arabia-based Bono won the best goalkeeper award.

Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid was not in Qatar, but has emerged as a clinical finisher. He was the leading scorer with seven goals in 2025 AFCON qualifying.

Treasured trophy

Winning the most treasured football trophy in Africa would not only trigger joy across the kingdom, but also huge relief.

Morocco won their sole AFCON title in 1976 in Ethiopia.

The closest Morocco have come to conquering Africa since then was in 2004 when they fell 2-1 to hosts Tunisia in the final. Regragui was part of the losing team.

“My wishes are that many people will visit our beautiful land for the AFCON and that Morocco will be crowned champions,” said the 50-year-old coach.

After facing Comoros in the December 21 opening match, Morocco meet Mali five days later and Zambia on December 29.

All the Moroccan matches in Group A will be at the 68,700-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which will also stage the final.

Mali, arguably the strongest of the 12 contenders who have never won the competition, have set a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals.

“I read an article describing us as ‘big outsiders’ — that is accurate,” said coach Tom Saintfiet, who took debutants Gambia to the 2022 quarter-finals.

“Mali are on a par with teams like Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal. We may not have as many global stars, but our group is cohesive, determined and talented,” the Belgian added.

While Morocco and Mali are expected to be the two sides to progress from Group A, Comoros coach Stefano Cusin had a warning for his rivals.

“For the big African nations, playing against us is a bit like going to the dentist — nobody enjoys it,” said the Canadian-Italian.

After losing three of four home 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Zambia dumped former Chelsea manager Avram Grant. His replacement is ex-international defender Moses Sichone.

Zambia have disappointed since a stunning 2012 AFCON final triumph over Ivory Coast, but captain and defender Lubambo Musonda is optimistic, saying he is “looking forward to a great tournament”.

-AFP

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