Doha: The Qatari national football team is gearing up to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, scheduled from December 1-18, 2025. This marks Qatar's fourth appearance in the tournament since its inception in 1963, and the host nation is determined to secure its first-ever Arab Cup title.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's most notable achievement in the tournament came during the seventh edition in 1998, where they finished as runners-up. The event was held on home soil, and Qatar's team delivered remarkable performances throughout. The 1998 tournament also featured the largest number of participating teams up to that time, with matches taking place at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Qatar's journey in the Arab Cup began in 1985 during the fourth edition hosted in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The team was placed in Group A with Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Despite an initial 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, Qatar bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Jordan, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Khalfan and Mansour Muftah. This win secured Qatar's place in the semifinals.
In the 1985 semifinals, Qatar faced Bahrain and lost 1-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with a goal from Mansour Muftah. Subsequently, Qatar played against Saudi Arabia for third place but lost 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw, finishing in fourth place.
Qatar missed the fifth and sixth editions of the Arab Cup in 1988 and 1992 but returned strongly for the 1998 tournament in Doha. The team topped Group A with victories over Libya and Jordan, advancing to the semifinals with a perfect record. In the semifinals, Qatar defeated the UAE 2-1 to secure a spot in the final.
Although Qatar displayed strong performances throughout the 1998 tournament, they lost the final 3-1 to Saudi Arabia. Mubarak Mustafa, who scored Qatar's goal in the final, was later awarded the tournament's Best Player accolade, shared with Kuwait's Bader Hajji.
The 1998 Qatari squad was notable for its significant achievements, having reached the final stages of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifications and winning its first Gulf Cup title in 1992. The team also reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Key players included Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Khamis, Yousef Adam, and goalkeeper Ahmed Khalil, among others.
Adel Khamis, a former national team star who participated in the 1998 tournament, remarked to Qatar News Agency that Qatar's performances were strong throughout the competition. He emphasized the blend of experienced and emerging talents in the squad, supported by enthusiastic fans.
Khamis highlighted the significant technical level of the seventh edition, with all teams fielding their top players. The competition was particularly intense among the Gulf teams, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia making it to the final. He noted that the tournament introduced many promising players and served as a launching pad for future talents, facilitated by the large and passionate crowds that contributed to the competitive atmosphere.