The FIFA Arab Cup 2021 is around the corner and 16 teams from across the Arab world are all set to take on the pitch between Tuesday, 30th November and Saturday, 18th December 2021. What is set to be the first FIFA pan-Arab football tournament, football fans and competitors will be experiencing the generous Arabian hospitality in Qatar once the tournament kicks off at the brand new Al Bayt Stadium.
So, for all the football fans around the Arab world, here's what to expect at the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in Qatar.
FIFA Arab Cup As A Glimpse Of The Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022
The FIFA World Cup 2022 is the talk of the hour and the tournament is set to kick off in the winter of 2022. Beginning on 21st November 2022, the world cup would end with the final scheduled on the 18th of December 2022. But hang on, how is the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 related to the upcoming world cup in any way?
Well, here's a thing, the Arab Cup would be taking place around the same time as the FIFA World Cup in 2022. While the tournament would throw a glimpse of what travelers would be able to expect one year later at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this would also be a big chance for visitors to experience the finest of Qatari hospitality during the competition. So, it's safe to say that the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021 would be a trailer for the ultimate showdown in 2022.
Venues To Be Used For The FIFA Arab Cup 2021
The host nation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar is spending a whopping $200 billion on infrastructure projects ahead of the world cup and the upcoming Arab Cup 2021 would just be the right tournament to test a few world cup venues before the world cup edges closer. So, here's how some of the venues will be tried and tested during the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar.
1. Al Bayt Stadium To Host The First Match
A stunning example of the architectural brilliance in Qatar, the Al Bayt Stadium is one of the eight venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the country and boasts of its striking design which has many similarities with the traditional Bedouin tents. What is interesting about the stadium is that the venue would be hosting the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain when the Arab Cup kicks off. The stadium would also be hosting the final of the competition.
2. Al Thumama Stadium & Ras Abu Aboud Stadium To Be Tested In The Competition
Another of those venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the country, the Al Thumama Stadium and the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium would both be showcased and tested during the Arab Cup. The stadiums would be hosting a number of matches during the tournament alongside other venues.
3. Other World Cup Venues To Be Used For The Arab Cup
Other World cup venues like Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, and Al Janoub stadiums in Qatar would also be amongst the venues for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. The venues are all brand new and have been constructed as part of a major infrastructure project in the state. Hence, the Arab Cup would be a great chance to test the venues before the ultimate competition begins in the winter of 2022.
Regional Talent To Shine At The Arab Cup?
After an action-packed qualifying campaign, the FIFA Arab Cup finally has 16 teams that will be taking up the grand stage. With group stage and knockout matches during the competition, there will be a total of 32 games played over a period of 19 days. For fans, this would be a chance to see the regional talents perform on the big stage. In fact, many players may well end up playing in the world cup ahead in 2022.
Suggested Read: Top Contenders To Win The FIFA World Cup 2022
Quick Facts Around The Upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021
The Arab Cup would be an iconic spectacle to watch in the Middle East once it kicks off in Qatar. As the tournament would be for 19 days, let's take a look at some key facts ahead of the competition's kick-off.
- The FIFA Arab Cup would be taking place during the same time as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This would, then, allow the fans and teams to enjoy mild temperatures, ranging between 15°C and 24°C.
- Qatar is a small country and the compact nature of the host nation means that the venues are located in close proximity to each other. Hence, football fans would be able to commute from one stadium to another without any hassle. In fact, this would also allow spectators to purchase match tickets for the same day.
Suggested Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Predictions Every Football Fan Should Know
Groups For The FIFA Arab Cup 2021
Here’s how the groups have been divide for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021.
Group A -
- Qatar
- Iraq
- Oman
- Bahrain
Group B -
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- Syria
- Mauritania
Group C -
- Morocco
- Saudi Arabia
- Jordan
- Palestine
Group D -
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Lebanon
- Sudan
Suggested Read: FIFA ARAB CUP 2021 Guidelines: Points To Re-check Attending The Tournament
How To Buy Tickets For The Upcoming FIFA Arab Cup In Qatar?
The sales of tickets for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup have already begun and individuals can now purchase tickets for all 32 matches set to be held during the tournament. However, in order to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of tickets for the competition, FIFA has divided the procedure of sales into two different phases. Here's what you need to know about it.
Sales Phase 1
Under this phase, the sales of tickets would be divided into two periods - Random Selection Draw and First Come, First Serve Sales Period.
Random Selection Draw (3rd August to 17th August 2021)
- Under this period, ticket purchases will not be served as real-time transactions, and those wanting the ticket will have to submit a ticket application without any preference.
- After the collection of applications, there will be a random draw for selection which will be taking place after the period ends.
- Fans with visa cardholders would get the tickets exclusively.
First Come, First Serve Sales Period (28th September to 12th October 2021)
- This will be the period when the ticket purchases would be served as real-time transactions.
- The tickets would be allocated on a First-Come, First-Serve basis. This is probably due to the fact that there will be a high demand for tickets once the sales go live.
- Unlike the Random Selection Draw, tickets would be made available to fans with all types of payment cards during this period.
Sales Phase 2
Under this phase, there will only be one period for the purchase of tickets - The Last Minute Sales Phase. The phase would begin on 2nd November and would continue till 18th December 2021 which is the day of the final of the Arab Cup.
- The tickets during this period would be served as real-time transactions and would be subject to availability.
- This would be the last chance for fans to purchase a ticket for the Arab Cup.
- While purchases would be made online, fans would also be able to purchase the tickets at designated centers and tickets in Qatar.
- Fans with all types of payment cards would be able to purchase tickets during this phase.
Note: - All the dates provided for the sales of tickets are subject to change without any prior notice. Fans are advised to stay tuned to the official website of FIFA for more updates on ticket sales. Besides, the tickets would be sold to fans online through the official website of FIFA.
Types Of Tickets To Be Made Available For The Upcoming FIFA Arab Cup
The FIFA Arab Cup tickets would be made available in two different types - Individual Match Tickets (offered in categories 1 to 4) & Team Specific Ticket Series (offered in categories 1 to 3).
One of the biggest tournaments in the Arab World, the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 would be an amazing and important spectacle for many reasons. With 16 teams competing for 19 days, the competition would not only provide a glimpse into the world cup 2022 but also be a massive chance for Qatar to showcase and test the world cup venues in the competition.
So, are you excited for the action-packed 32 matches set to take place in Arab Cup? Book your plane tickets to Qatar and plan your Arab Cup trip well in advance in order to avoid any last-minute rushes.
FAQs
The Arab Cup would be taking place around the same time as the FIFA World Cup in 2022. While the tournament would throw a glimpse of what travelers would be able to expect one year later at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this would also be a big chance for visitors to experience the finest of Qatari hospitality during the competition. So, it's safe to say that the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2021 would be a trailer for the ultimate showdown in 2022.
After an action-packed qualifying campaign, the FIFA Arab Cup finally has 16 teams that will be taking up the grand stage. With group stage and knockout matches during the competition, there will be a total of 32 games played over a period of 19 days. For fans, this would be a chance to see the regional talents perform on the big stage.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 would begin on the 21st of November 2022 and end with the final scheduled on the 18th of December 2022. This will be the first time that the world cup will be taking place in the winter of the Northern Hemisphere.
The FIFA Arab Cup 2021 is around the corner and 16 teams from across the Arab world are all set to take on the pitch between Tuesday, 30th November and Saturday, 18th December 2021. The competition is seen as a trailer for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Al Bayt Stadium would be hosting the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain when the Arab Cup kicks off. The stadium would also be hosting the final of the competition. A stunning example of the architectural brilliance in Qatar, the Al Bayt Stadium is also one of the eight venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the country
Qatar is a small country and the compact nature of the host nation means that the venues are located in close proximity to each other. Hence, football fans would be able to commute from one stadium to another without any hassle. In fact, this would also allow spectators to purchase match tickets for the same day.
The Al Bayt Stadium would be hosting the opening match as well as the final of the Arab Cup. Besides it, the Al Thumama Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, and other World cup venues like Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, and Al Janoub stadiums would also be amongst the venues for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021.
The FIFA Arab Cup finally has 16 teams that will be taking up the grand stage. With group stage and knockout matches during the competition, this would be a chance for the spectators to see the regional talent on show.
