Doha, September 08 (QNA) - As Qatar prepares to host the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup in December 2025, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) has released a report highlighting key statistics and moments from the inaugural tournament held in 2021.

The 2021 Arab Cup, organized under the auspices of FIFA, marked a pivotal moment in Qatar’s journey toward hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The tournament not only drew significant regional attention but also served as a major operational test for stadiums and infrastructure, reinforcing Doha’s reputation as a global hub for major sporting events.

According to the committee’s report, matches during the 2021 Arab Cup were played across six World Cup stadiums, including Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, and Stadium 974, the first fully demountable venue in World Cup history.

Sixteen Arab national teams participated in the tournament. Algeria claimed the title after defeating Tunisia in the final, while host nation Qatar secured third place with a win over Egypt.

The tournament saw a total of 83 goals scored across 32 matches, averaging 2.59 goals per game. Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri emerged as the top scorer with four goals.

Despite pandemic-related restrictions, the event drew robust attendance. More than 631,000 tickets were sold, and several matches reached over 80 percent stadium capacity. The quarterfinal between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at Al Bayt Stadium set a record with 63,439 spectators.

Broadcast viewership was equally impressive, with 272 million people tuning in worldwide. The group-stage clash between Algeria and Egypt, along with the quarterfinal between Morocco and Algeria, registered the highest ratings.

Public transportation played a key role in the tournament’s success, with 2.5 million fans using Qatar’s advanced transit systems. Stadiums were easily accessible via Doha Metro, and shuttle buses connected metro stations to venues.

The event also showcased Qatar’s commitment to accessibility, offering barrier-free experiences for fans with disabilities. More than 5,000 volunteers from 92 nationalities supported operations, and over 1,000 journalists provided extensive coverage, drawing participation from major international media outlets.

The upcoming 2025 edition will feature 23 teams, with the top nine FIFA-ranked nations qualifying directly. The remaining 14 will compete for seven spots in qualifying matches scheduled for November 25-26.

Matches will again be held in six stadiums that hosted games during the historic 2022 World Cup. The Arab Cup joins a packed calendar of events in Qatar, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place from November 3 to 27. (QNA)