Arab Cup 2025: Algeria and Morocco handed kind draws, Tunisia drawn with Qatar
FIFA held the draw in Doha on Sunday for the second edition of its 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
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On Sunday, FIFA held the draw for the second edition of the 2025 Arab Cup of Nations, which will take place in Qatar from 1 to 18 December 2025. The 16 participating teams, some of whom will come through a qualifying round scheduled for 25 and 26 November, have been split into four groups, setting up some exciting contests.
Algeria in a manageable group
As holders, Algeria find themselves in a relatively kind Group D. The Fennecs A' will face Iraq, along with the winners of the qualifying ties Bahrain v Djibouti and Lebanon v Sudan. Algeria had already beaten both of those sides in the 2021 edition, giving the holders a good chance to shine again.
Tunisia to face Qatar
Runners-up in 2021, Tunisia have been drawn in Group A, where they will take on hosts Qatar. The group could also include Libya, who play Palestine in qualifying, as well as the winner of Syria v South Sudan. It is a tough task for the Eagles of Carthage, who will be looking for revenge after losing the final four years ago.
Morocco to face ambitious Saudi Arabia
In Group B, Morocco, represented by their domestic-based side, will lock horns with Saudi Arabia, who made a major impression at the 2022 World Cup by beating Argentina. The group will be completed by the winners of Oman v Somalia and Yemen v Comoros. It is worth noting that Morocco could meet Comoros again, an opponent they will also face in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt in a competitive group
Group C looks a strong one, with Egypt up against Jordan, surprise finalists at the last Asian Cup, the United Arab Emirates and the winner of Kuwait v Mauritania. The group promises tight contests between sides with clear ambitions.
The 2025 Arab Cup groups
- Group A: Qatar, Tunisia, Winner Syria v South Sudan, Winner Palestine v Libya
- Group B: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Winner Oman v Somalia, Winner Yemen v Comoros
- Group C: Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Winner Kuwait v Mauritania
- Group D: Algeria, Iraq, Winner Bahrain v Djibouti, Winner Lebanon v Sudan
A qualifying round to separate the outsiders
The qualifying round pits the lowest-ranked African and Asian sides in the FIFA rankings against each other. The ties are as follows: Oman v Somalia, Bahrain v Djibouti, Syria v South Sudan, Palestine v Libya, Lebanon v Sudan, Kuwait v Mauritania and Yemen v Comoros. These matches will decide the last teams to qualify for the tournament.