Qatar, Palestine set for Opening match at 2025 Arab Cup

Qatar’s iconic Al Bayt Stadium in the coastal city of Al Khor is set to shine on Monday evening as it hosts the opening match of the 2025 Arab Cup. The highly anticipated kickoff will feature a meeting filled with symbolism and emotion, as host nation Qatar faces Palestine in a match that goes beyond football and resonates deeply with fans across the Arab world.

The opening game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in Amman, Doha, and Mecca, at 6:30 p.m. in Jerusalem and Cairo, and at 8:30 p.m. in Abu Dhabi. A large crowd is expected to fill the World Cup venue to witness the start of the regional tournament.

Qatar enters the competition in strong form, buoyed by its recent success as champion of Asia and its early qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Under Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, the team aims to add an Arab title to its continental achievements, relying on a tactical system built on defensive solidity, high pressing, and quick transitions along the wings.

On the other side, the Palestinian national team arrives for its sixth appearance in the tournament, carrying the hopes of a people seeking moments of joy amid hardship. Palestine secured its place after defeating Libya in a decisive playoff settled by penalty kicks. Despite the difficult humanitarian and political conditions surrounding the team’s preparations, the players remain determined to push for an upset and advance as far as possible.

Past meetings between the two sides have often been competitive. Their most recent encounter came in the Round of 16 of the latest Asian Cup, where Qatar edged Palestine 2 to 1 in a hard-fought match. This history suggests that Monday’s clash at Al Bayt Stadium will be a tactical contest that offers no guarantees for the hosts.