Doha: Former Saudi national team goalkeeper Mohamed Al Deayea affirmed that the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is the best-organized and most attended compared to previous editions, noting that Qatar has presented a distinguished image through exceptional organization at all levels.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Deayea stated that Qatar proved its organizational excellence through the exceptional opening ceremony, which he said carried numerous messages reflecting national unity and the closeness of Arab peoples. He added that the tournament had already succeeded before the first whistle, with high-level attendance by officials from FIFA as well as leading figures from Arab football federations. He said Qatar had once again delivered a model of organizational perfection similar to what was achieved in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, AFC Asian Cup 2023, and the first FIFA Arab Cup in 2021, noting that the close proximity of stadiums built to top international standards was a key factor in providing an exceptional experience for both teams and Arab fans.
Regarding Saudi Arabia’s participation, Al Deayea said the Saudi national team can win the title, and that their first match against Oman was good, as they secured three important points. He expressed hope that they would also win their match against Comoros on Friday.
Discussing his Arab Cup memories, he recalled participating in the seventh edition held in Doha in 1998, where Saudi Arabia won the title, and he was chosen as the best Arab goalkeeper. On the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for Friday, Al Deayea noted that everyone is eagerly waiting for the results and said the hope is for Saudi Arabia to shine at the World Cup, especially with the expanded format featuring 48 teams and the ambition to progress beyond the group stage.
He concluded by saying that everyone will support and stand behind the Arab teams at the World Cup, expressing hope that Iraq can join through the intercontinental playoff to ensure a strong Arab presence in the tournament.