The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off today in Qatar with a compelling matchup between Tunisia and Syria at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium [[2]]. Both nations recently qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding extra stakes to this Group One contest. Despite their recent success, Tunisia will be fielding a squad considerably impacted by the non-release of 14 players from European clubs due to the tournament’s timing outside of the international window.
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium will host a crucial Group One matchup between Tunisia and Syria this afternoon, November 30, at 3:00 PM local time, as the 2025 Arab Cup gets underway in Qatar. The tournament, running from December 1-18, features some of the region’s top national teams vying for continental glory.
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Tunisia Faces Syria in Arab Cup Opener
Tunisia and Syria find themselves grouped together in Group One alongside Qatar and Palestine following the tournament draw. Tunisia enters today’s match with high spirits, having recently secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They’ll be looking to start their Arab Cup campaign with a decisive victory.
However, Tunisia will be without approximately 14 players from their usual squad, including Montassar Talbi of Lorient, Elias Skhiri of Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley. Several European clubs have declined to release their players for the tournament as it falls outside of the FIFA international window.
Syria, currently ranked 87th in the world, aims to build on their recent positive momentum after qualifying for the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Sudan just days ago. The Syrians will be eager to prove their mettle against a traditionally strong Tunisian side.
Tunisia’s Squad for the Arab Cup
The Tunisian squad consists of goalkeepers Aymen Dahmen, Bashir Ben Said, and Noureddine Fartoussi. Defenders include Moatez Qasmi, Mohamed Ben Ali, Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida, Yassine Meriah, Hamza Jelassi, Marwan Sahraoui, Osama Arami. The midfield features Ferjani Sassi, Husam Taqa, Ismail Ghribi, Mohamed El Haj Mahmoud, Shahab El Abidi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. Forwards include Omar Ayouni, Seifeddine Jaziri, Nassim Daly, Ryan Allane, Hazem Mestouri, and Firas Chawat.
Syria’s Squad for the Arab Cup
Syria’s roster includes goalkeepers Elias Hdaya and Shاهر Al Shaher, as well as defenders Maxim Sarraf, Khaled Al Haji, Alan Oussi, and Abdurrazak Mohammad. Midfielders include Abdullah Al Shami, Ahmad Faqa, Simon Amin, Zakaria Hannan, Khaled Kerdaghli, Mohammad Anz, Mahmoud Al Naif, Anas Dahan, and Hassan Dahan. The attacking line features Mohammad Salakhdi, Mahmoud Al Aswad, Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammad Al Hallaq, Elmar Ibrahim, Omar Khribin, Antonio Yaqoub, and Yassin Samia. Notably, veteran striker Omar Al Soma is not included in the squad.
