Doha, November 29 (QNA) - The spotlight at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 falls on several standout players across the participating Arab national teams, many of whom have already left their mark in regional, continental, and international competitions.

Akram Afif, the star forward of Qatar's national team and a two-time Asian Cup champion, spearheads Qatar's ambitions in their fourth Arab Cup appearance. The campaign comes on the heels of Qatar's historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup through the qualifiers, raising expectations that Julen Lopetegui's side will be among the strongest contenders for the 11th edition of the Arab title.

Afif, 29, who plays for Al Sadd, is known for his tactical intelligence and sharp positioning in the box. His ability to penetrate defenses makes him a constant threat and a key attacking weapon as Qatar seeks its first Arab Cup trophy, having previously finished runner-up once in 10 editions. With 122 international caps and 40 goals, Afif remains a cornerstone of the squad, which opens its campaign against Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

Algeria, the defending champions from the 2021 edition, enter the tournament with high hopes. Coach Madjid Bougherra will rely on Yacine Brahimi, who has guided Al Gharafa to the top of the Qatari league after ten rounds. The former Porto midfielder, named best player of the last Arab Cup, has been a fixture for Algeria since 2013, earning 69 caps and scoring 15 goals. Brahimi, who also led Al Gharafa to the 2025 HH the Amir Cup title, previously featured in major tournaments including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Morocco's attack will be led by Abderrazak Hamdallah, one of the tournament's most prominent strikers. Though his international career has been shorter than his prolific club record, Hamdallah—currently with Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab—has played 25 matches for Morocco, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tunisia's hopes rest on Ismael Gharbi, the 21-year-old Augsburg midfielder who joined from Portugal's Sporting Braga in January. A key figure in Tunisia's runner-up finish in 2021, Gharbi's vision and creativity make him central to coach Sami Trabelsi's plans for a deep run in the tournament.

Egypt will look to veteran midfielder Mohamed Elneny, formerly of Arsenal and now with Al Jazira in the UAE. Under coach Helmi Toulan, Elneny is set to make his 101st international appearance against Kuwait on Tuesday. The 33-year-old, the first Egyptian to play for Arsenal, featured in 161 matches for the London club, scoring six goals and providing ten assists. He helped the team win the FA Cup in 2017 and the Community Shield in 2018 and 2021. Egypt seeks its second Arab Cup title, having last won in Damascus in 1992.

Saudi Arabia's squad features Al Hilal forward Salem Al Dawsari, 34, who was named Asia's best player in 2025. With 99 caps and 24 goals, Al Dawsari has established himself as one of the most influential figures in Saudi football, known for decisive performances in major tournaments and his leadership on and off the pitch.

Jordan's rising star Yazan Al Naimat, who plays for Qatar's Al Arabi, will be central to coach Jamal Sellami's plans. Al Naimat led Jordan to its first-ever World Cup qualification in June 2025 and has been instrumental in regional competitions, including the 2021 Arab Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar. He has scored 22 goals in 56 international appearances, often delivering in crucial moments.

Syria's hopes rest on Omar Khribin, the 2017 Asian Player of the Year and one of the country's most celebrated forwards. The 31-year-old Al Wahda striker has 58 caps and 29 goals, cementing his place among Syria's all-time leading scorers. (QNA)