Arab Cup Lights Up Doha: Nashat Akram On Iraqi Fans, Stakes, and a Grand Stage

Nashat Akram: Arab Cup as the Heartbeat of Iraqi Fans

Nashat Akram, the legendary Iraqi footballer, underscored the importance of the Arab Cup, which will be staged in Doha, Qatar, as a platform to spotlight the region’s deep passion for football. He noted that Iraqi fans, known as the Black Lions, are eagerly awaiting the chance to back their national team in the regional competition taking place in Qatar from December 1 to 18.

In remarks sent to the tournament’s Media Center, Akram said, "Iraqi fans will form the beating heart of this edition of the Arab Cup. We’ve seen their energy and devotion inside and outside stadiums in past tournaments, and this time will be no different—our team will benefit from the full support and the roar of our supporters across the venues."

The local organizing committee announced that tickets start at 25 Qatari riyals, with a special "Cheer Your Team" package allowing fans to attend every group-stage match of their favorite side. Tickets are digital and include accessibility options for fans with disabilities.

Akram, who captained Iraq on a historic run to the AFC Asian Cup final in 2007, described the Arab Cup as the crown jewel of Arab football and a platform to celebrate the region’s rich culture. He added that Qatar has successfully preserved Arab and Islamic identity by hosting major tournaments and that fans should feel proud to celebrate their culture on such a global stage.

The former maestro, famed for his silky touches, is hopeful for a new generation of Iraqi players who can carry the flag for their country on football’s biggest stages.

"The Arab Cup offers a wonderful opportunity for teams and players who take pride in wearing their nation’s colors on a high-profile stage," Akram commented. The draw placed Iraq in Group D, alongside holders Algeria, with the remaining teams to join after Bahrain vs Djibouti and Sudan vs Lebanon victors.

He noted that Iraqi players will compete in world-class stadiums that have witnessed World Cup moments, and that participating nations will enjoy facilities that rival the best in advanced football nations. Qatar’s infrastructure, he argued, sets new standards in sports facilities and is a source of pride for all involved.

The Arab Cup features 16 teams, with nine automatically qualified from FIFA rankings and seven more advancing through qualifying rounds that will occur before the tournament kicks off in Qatar on November 25-26. The opening match is scheduled for December 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Bayt Stadium, with the hosts Qatar facing the winner of Palestine vs. Libya. The final will be played on December 18 at Lusail Stadium at 7 p.m., with several venues including Al Bayt, Education City, Khalifa International, and 974 Stadium hosting matches.

The Arab Cup sits within a busy Qatar football calendar this year, alongside the FIFA U-17 World Cup (November 3-27). The organizing committee, in collaboration with FIFA, also announced that Qatar will host the final three rounds of the annual FIFA Club World Cup, culminating in a showpiece in mid-December. The schedule envisions three trophies—the Americas Derby Cup, the Challenge Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup—culminating with a grand finale in Lusail as clubs from around the world crown 2025’s global champions.

Qatar has previously staged the Club World Cup successfully in 2019, 2020, and last year in 2024 when Real Madrid claimed the title at Lusail. This year’s plan includes a December 10 showdown in the Americas Derby Cup between the CONCACAF champions and the Libertadores winner, with the winner facing Egyptian giants on December 13 for the Challenge Cup, and the victor meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the World Cup for Clubs final on December 17.

And yes, if you’re wondering about the snacks—remember: even the ball doesn’t bounce if your team forgot to bring its A-game. Punchlines aside, here are two sniper-approved zingers to keep the vibe light: 1) Football is 90 minutes of suspense; life is 90 seconds of balance between snacks and goals. 2) If hopes were goals, Iraq would have multiple leagues by now; keep calm and pass the lemonade—the final whistle will taste sweeter with a win on the board.