FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA Arab Cup

What is the FIFA Arab Cup?

Think of it as the ultimate regional showdown - a premier international football tournament where senior men's national teams from across the Arab world (spanning both the Asian and African confederations) clash every four years for continental supremacy.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Stage: History & Evolution

• 1963 (The Kickoff): It all started in Beirut, Lebanon, conceived by the Lebanese Football Association, with Tunisia hoisting the very first trophy.

• The UAFA Decades: For years, the tournament bounced around under the banner of the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), appearing intermittently through the 60s, returning in 1985, and popping up periodically until 2012.

• 2021 (The FIFA Takeover): FIFA stepped into the driver's seat, officially rebranding it and using Qatar 2021 as the ultimate dry run for the World Cup in 2022 - ending with Algeria taking home the crown.

• 2025 (Record-Breaking Glory): Returning to Qatar, the latest installment shattered records by clearing one million spectators, culminating in an absolute thriller at Lusail Stadium where Morocco edged out Jordan 3-2 in extra time.

The Contenders: Teams & Format

The modern tournament features a battleground of 16 qualified nations hand-picked from a large pool of 22 UAFA member associations.

• North Africa (CAF): Heavyweights like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.

• Middle East & Western Asia (AFC): Contenders including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.

The Honor Roll: Who Rules the Region?

A look at the nations that have etched their names into the tournament's history books.

• Iraq: 4 Titles (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988)

• Saudi Arabia: 2 Titles (1998, 2002)

• Morocco: 2 Titles (2012, 2025)

• Algeria: 1 Title (2021)

• Egypt: 1 Title (1992)

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