The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 reaches its climax today as Morocco face Jordan in the final at Lusail Stadium — the same venue that hosted the 2022 World Cup final exactly three years ago to the day.
Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT) in what promises to be a celebration of Arab football's growing strength on the international stage.
Morocco's commanding run to the final
The Atlas Lions, coached by Tarik Sektioui, have been the tournament's most consistent performers. Their path to the final:
- Group B: Morocco 3-1 Comoros (Bouftini, Tissoudali, El Berkaoui)
- Group B: Morocco 0-0 Oman
- Group B: Morocco 1-0 Saudi Arabia (El Berkaoui) — topped the group
- Quarter-final: Morocco 1-0 Syria (Azaro 79')
- Semi-final: Morocco 3-0 UAE (El Berkaoui, El Mahdioui x2)
Karim El Berkaoui has been Morocco's standout performer, scoring crucial goals throughout the tournament. The striker's intelligent movement and clinical finishing have made him a constant threat, while Tarik Tissoudali and Oussama Tannane have provided creative impetus from wide areas.
Morocco's defensive solidity has been equally impressive. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid has conceded just one goal in five matches — and that was an own goal against Comoros.
Jordan's fairytale continues
Jordan, coached by Moroccan tactician Jamal Sellami, arrive in the final with a perfect record of four wins from four matches — the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition.
Their remarkable run:
- Group C: Jordan 2-1 UAE
- Group C: Jordan 3-1 Kuwait (Abu Taha, Al-Rosan, Olwan)
- Group C: Jordan 3-0 Egypt (Abuhasheen, Abu Zraiq, Olwan) — topped the group
- Quarter-final: Jordan 1-0 Iraq (Olwan pen 41')
- Semi-final: Jordan 1-0 Saudi Arabia (Al-Rashdan 66')
Ali Olwan has emerged as Jordan's talisman, with four goals in five matches including crucial strikes against Kuwait, Egypt, and Iraq. The penalty specialist has been clinical from the spot and remains in contention for the Golden Boot.
This represents Jordan's first-ever Arab Cup final — their previous best finish was fourth place when they hosted the tournament in 1988. A victory would deliver the nation's first major international trophy.
Historic context for Jordan
Jordan's run to the final caps an extraordinary period for the national team. Under previous coach Houcine Ammouta and now Sellami (both Moroccan), they have:
- Reached the AFC Asian Cup 2023 final (losing to Qatar)
- Qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup (USA/Canada/Mexico 2026)
- Now reached their first Arab Cup final
However, they face the final without key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who suffered a devastating ACL tear in the quarter-final against Iraq.
Key battles to watch
El Berkaoui vs Jordan's defence: Morocco's in-form striker will test the resilience of a Jordanian backline that has been superbly organized throughout the tournament.
Olwan's penalty prowess: Should Jordan win a spot-kick, Olwan has been nerveless from 12 yards. Morocco's defenders must be cautious in the box.
Midfield control: Morocco have dominated possession in most matches, but Jordan's counter-attacking threat has been lethal. The team that controls the midfield battle may control the game.
Match details
- Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Kick-off: 7:00 PM local time / 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM ET
- Venue: Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar (capacity: 88,966)
- Third-place play-off: Saudi Arabia vs UAE (earlier today)
Historical significance
Morocco are seeking their second Arab Cup title, having previously won the tournament in 2012. Victory would also provide a timely boost ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Morocco next month.
For Jordan, a victory would represent the pinnacle of a remarkable footballing transformation that has seen them emerge as one of Asia's most improved nations.
The tournament has already broken attendance records, with passionate supporters from across the Arab world filling Qatar's World Cup stadiums. Tonight's final at Lusail — under the same lights that witnessed Lionel Messi lift the World Cup trophy — promises to be a fitting conclusion.
Two proud nations, one trophy, and a final no football fan should miss.
