• Historically, encounters between the two sides have always been competitive, with fans still recalling their last meeting in the Round of 16 of the most recent Asian Cup, where Qatari experience secured a 2-1 victory

The jewel of Qatari stadiums, “Al Bayt Stadium” in the coastal city of Al Khor, is set to don its splendor this Monday evening, December 1, signaling the kickoff of the 2025 Arab Cup.

Opening this highly anticipated football carnival is a match loaded with emotion and symbolism, as the ambitions of the Qatari “Al-Annabi,” host and home team, clash with the determination of their Palestinian “Fedayeen” counterparts, in a contest that transcends sport and resonates with Arab fans across the region.

The opening clash is scheduled for 7:30 PM (Amman, Doha, Mecca), while it will be 6:30 PM in Jerusalem and Cairo, and 8:30 PM in Abu Dhabi, with a large crowd expected to fill the stadium to witness these historic opening moments.

Qatar enters this regional stage at the peak of its technical and mental form, armed with the “Asian Leader” crown and an early qualification ticket for the 2026 World Cup. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, the Al-Annabi squad aims to add the Arab Cup title to its record of continental gold, relying on a tactical system that combines defensive solidity, high pressing, and rapid wing transitions to assert dominance in the regional football scene.

On the other side, Palestine participates in the tournament for the sixth time, carrying the hopes of an entire nation seeking moments of joy amid hardship. The “Fedayeen” earned their place in the finals after overcoming Libya in a playoff decided by penalty kicks. Despite extraordinary humanitarian and political challenges affecting their preparations, their fighting spirit remains the key asset to create surprises and advance as far as possible.

Historically, meetings between the two sides have been intense, with fans still recalling their last encounter in the Round of 16 of the last Asian Cup, where Qatar edged a 2-1 victory after a hard-fought match, indicating that tonight’s “Al Bayt” showdown will be no walkover for the hosts, but a tactical battle open to all possibilities.

To ensure fans enjoy comprehensive coverage of this major event, a wide range of broadcast channels will carry the match, including beIN SPORTS HD, beIN Xtra 1, Qatari Al-Kass channels, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports, and Kuwait Sports, providing extensive media coverage befitting the scale of the Arab Cup opener.