In a dramatic turn of events at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Palestine made history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, while host nation Qatar suffered a stunning exit after losing 3-0 to Tunisia. The last round of Group A fixtures, played on Sunday, delivered unforgettable moments for fans across the Arab world.
Tunisia Stuns Qatar With 3-0 Victory
Asian champions Qatar, who were expected to dominate their home tournament, fell short in a shocking defeat to Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane opened the scoring for Tunisia in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a rare goalkeeping error by Meshaal Barsham. The Tunisian midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the net, putting the visitors ahead early.
Despite controlling 60% of possession, Qatar’s attacking line, led by star striker Akram Afif, failed to convert their opportunities into goals. Tunisia doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute with a precise header from Yassine Meriah following a corner kick. Even after Tunisia were reduced to 10 men late in the match, Qatar could not capitalize on the numerical advantage.
The match was sealed in the dying minutes when Mohamed Benali, unmarked in the Qatari half, struck a powerful goal to secure a 3-0 win for Tunisia. The result confirmed Qatar’s elimination from the Arab Cup 2025, much to the disappointment of their passionate home fans.
Palestine and Syria Secure Quarterfinal Spots
Just 48 kilometers away at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Palestine and Syria played out a 0-0 draw that sent both nations into the quarterfinals. Palestine, also known as The Fidai, stunned the football world earlier in the tournament with a shock win over Qatar thanks to an own goal. Their resilient performance against Tunisia, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw, highlighted their determination and grit.
Syria, who had opened the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, matched Palestine point for point. Going into the final group game, both Levantine teams only needed a draw to secure progression. When the referee blew the final whistle, emotions erupted on the pitch as players and fans celebrated the historic achievement.
Palestinian fans filled the stadium with flags, keffiyehs, and loud cheers, while Gaza-born defender Mohammed Saleh waved both Palestinian and Syrian flags in celebration. The joy and pride of these teams are particularly poignant given the challenges they face off the pitch, including the impacts of regional conflicts.
The Significance of Palestine’s Arab Cup Run
Palestine currently sits 96th in FIFA rankings, 45 places below Qatar, which underscores the magnitude of their achievement. Syria is ranked 87th globally, and Tunisia, Africa’s sixth-best team, sits at 40th in the world. With Qatar and Tunisia both qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the progress of Palestine and Syria in the Arab Cup is a remarkable underdog story.
For Palestinian and Syrian fans, this moment is a celebration not only of footballing skill but of resilience, hope, and national pride. Both teams will now face a challenging quarterfinal stage, but the journey so far has already captured the hearts of supporters worldwide.
What’s Next in the Arab Cup 2025?
The quarterfinals promise high-stakes football as top Arab teams continue to compete for glory. Palestine’s historic qualification adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament, reminding the world that football can deliver stories of courage and determination against all odds.
Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching the next stage to see if Palestine and Syria can continue their fairy-tale runs or if the tournament favorites will assert their dominance.
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