Doha, November 27 (QNA) - The preliminary qualifiers for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 concluded with resounding success, underscoring Qatar's full organizational readiness and the vibrant fan enthusiasm that is expected to define the upcoming tournament.

Scheduled to take place from December 1 to 18, the competition will feature 16 national teams competing across six world-class stadiums.

The qualifiers delivered high-octane football, marked by intense competition, dramatic penalty shootouts, and a notable goal tally. Teams from Kuwait, Syria, Palestine, Oman, Bahrain, Comoros, and Sudan secured their spots in the group stage after showcasing commendable performances.

Kuwait and Syria each claimed 2-0 victories over Mauritania and South Sudan respectively, while Palestine, Oman, and Comoros advanced through penalty shootouts following tightly contested draws. Bahrain edged Djibouti with a narrow 1-0 win, and Sudan triumphed over Lebanon 2-1.

With these results, the tournament groups are now finalized. Syria and Palestine join hosts Qatar and Tunisia in Group A. Oman and Comoros complete Group B alongside Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait enters Group C with Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. Group D sees Bahrain and Sudan joining Algeria and Iraq.

Across seven matches, the qualifiers produced 16 goals, averaging more than two goals per game. Three matches were decided by penalties, reflecting the competitive balance among the teams.

The Comoros-Yemen clash stood out as the highest-scoring encounter, ending 4-4 in regular time before Comoros advanced via penalties. Only two matches ended goalless, while seven teams failed to score during regular time.

Fan turnout played a pivotal role in the success of the qualifiers. Arab supporters filled stadiums with energy and passion, creating a festive atmosphere that mirrored the spirit of the Arab Cup.

The Sudan vs. Lebanon match at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium drew over 20,000 spectators, the highest attendance of the qualifiers. Other matches, including Syria vs. South Sudan and Kuwait vs. Mauritania, also witnessed strong crowds, with thousands of fans in attendance.

This successful staging of the qualifiers serves as a compelling preview of what promises to be a landmark edition of the FIFA Arab Cup. Matches will be held across six iconic venues: Al Bayt Stadium, which will host the opening match; Lusail Stadium, the venue for the final; as well as Khalifa International Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Stadium 974, and Education City Stadium.

Expectations are high for the 2025 tournament, with early indicators suggesting record-breaking attendance, widespread viewership, and robust fan engagement.

The preliminary qualifiers have not only demonstrated the technical and logistical preparedness of the host nation but also reaffirmed the Arab world's deep-rooted passion for football. Qatar stands poised to deliver one of the most successful and memorable editions of the Arab Cup to date. (QNA)