FIFA Arab Cup Qualifying
Wikipedia - FIFA Arab Cup
The FIFA Arab Cup (Arabic: كأس العرب, romanized: Kaʾs al-ʿArab), or Arab Cup, is an international association football competition organized by FIFA. It is held every four years with the participation of senior men's national teams of the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), the governing body for countries in the Arab world. The current champion is Algeria, which won its first title at the 2021 tournament in Qatar.
The championship's inaugural edition was in 1963, held in Lebanon, which was won by Tunisia. After having been played in 1964 and 1966, the Arab Cup was halted for almost 20 years, before being contested in 1985. The tournament was played five more times until 2012, the last competition organized by the UAFA. The 2021 edition was the first organized by FIFA.
The ten Arab Cup tournaments have been won by six national teams. Iraq have won four times; the other Arab Cup winners are Saudi Arabia, with two titles; Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and inaugural winner Tunisia, with one title each.
Seven countries have hosted the Arab Cup. Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have each hosted twice, while Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Syria have each hosted once. All Arab Cups have been held in Asia.
History
The initial idea for the conception of an Arab Cup came in 1957 from Lebanese journalist Nassif Majdalani and the Secretary General of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) Izzat Al Turk. In 1962, the LFA called for the formal establishment of the tournament through their president Georges Dabbas, who organised a general Arab assembly for the formation of the Arab Cup. The first Arab Cup was held in Beirut between April and May 1963, with the participation of five teams.
During the 16-year hiatus between 1966 and 1982, the Arab Cup was de facto replaced by the Palestine Cup, which was held three times in the 1970s and then became a youth tournament after the return of the Arab Cup in the 1980s. The 1992 Arab Cup was also organised as part of the 1992 Arab Games.
The 2021 edition was the first edition to be organised by FIFA; the competition was renamed FIFA Arab Cup. Following the 2021 final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that FIFA would continue to oversee future editions. On 15 May 2024, FIFA announced that Qatar will host the tournament in 2025, 2029 and 2033, and the tournament will follow the principle of an invitational competition not included in the International Match Calendar.
The tournament showcases the rich footballing talent and passion that exists within the Arab nations, as teams compete in a series of intense matches to secure their spot in the FIFA Arab Cup. With a long-standing history of football excellence, the Arab world has produced some of the most skilled players and successful teams in the sport.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qualifying features a diverse range of teams, each representing their respective countries with pride and determination. From North Africa to the Gulf region, the tournament brings together nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, and many more, creating an atmosphere of fierce competition and national pride.
The matches are played in state-of-the-art stadiums, providing a thrilling backdrop for the intense battles on the field. The tournament showcases the unique playing styles, tactical approaches, and footballing traditions of each participating nation, making it a truly captivating spectacle for fans and enthusiasts alike.
As teams vie for qualification, the tournament offers a platform for emerging talents to shine and established stars to showcase their skills. The matches are filled with breathtaking goals, skillful dribbles, and tactical brilliance, captivating audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qualifying not only celebrates the sport of soccer but also fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participating nations. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and friendship between the diverse Arab nations.
With its rich history, passionate fans, and exceptional talent, the FIFA Arab Cup Qualifying is a must-watch tournament for soccer enthusiasts around the world. It is a showcase of the Arab world's love for the beautiful game and a testament to the region's footballing prowess.