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Arab Cup

The Arab Cup is an international men's football tournament for national teams from the Arab world.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Arab Cup is an international men's football tournament for national teams from the Arab world. Founded in 1963, it has been organized by the Union of Arab Football Associations and, since 2021, by FIFA as the FIFA Arab Cup.

History

The Arab Cup began in 1963 and developed as a regional tournament for Arab national teams. It was administered by UAFA for earlier editions and later came under FIFA's organization from 2021.

Format

The modern final tournament includes 16 teams from the Arab world. The competition is played between national teams and is held as a multi-match tournament with a group stage and knockout rounds.

Recent editions

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup was held in Qatar from 1 to 18 December 2025. Morocco defeated Jordan in the final to win its second title.

Records and champions

Iraq is widely listed as the most successful team in the tournament's history. Morocco is the current champion after winning the 2025 edition.

Key facts

  • The Arab Cup is a men's international football tournament for Arab national teams.
  • It was first held in 1963 and has been organized by FIFA since 2021.
  • The finals feature 16 teams.
  • Morocco won the 2025 edition and is the current champion.
  • Iraq is the most successful team in the tournament's history.
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Canadian context

The Arab Cup may be of interest to Canadian readers through coverage of international soccer and Canada’s large Arab diaspora, but it has no direct Canadian participation or hosting history in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Arab Cup?
The Arab Cup is an international men's football tournament for national teams from the Arab world.
When was the Arab Cup founded?
It was founded in 1963.
Who organizes the Arab Cup now?
FIFA has organized the tournament since 2021.
How many teams play in the final tournament?
The final tournament features 16 teams.
Who is the current champion?
Morocco is the current champion after winning the 2025 edition.
Which team has won the most titles?
Iraq is listed as the most successful team in the competition's history.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Arab_Cup
    Supports: Founded in 1963; organized by UAFA and FIFA; 16-team finals; current champions Morocco; tournament overview.
  2. FIFA — https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/arabcup
    Supports: Official description of the tournament as a 16-team competition for national teams from across the Arab world.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_FIFA_Arab_Cup
    Supports: 2025 edition dates in Qatar; Morocco defeated Jordan in the final; attendance and edition details.