Less than 100 days remain for the pan-Arab tournament to kick off in Qatar.

Algeria national team forward Baghdad Bounedjah has hailed the FIFA Arab Cup as a platform to showcase the region’s capabilities and culture on a global stage.

Less than 100 days remain for the 2025 edition, set to be re-hosted by Qatar from December 1 to 18.

“The importance of the FIFA Arab Cup is to highlight Arab and Islamic culture to the world,” Bounedjah told the local organising committee. “It showcases the capabilities of the Arab World in organising major events like the World Cup.”

The 33-year-old was a part of the Algerian side that clinched the 2021 edition hosted as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Boasting the likes of Bounedjah, Yacine Brahimi, Youcef Belaili and Raïs M’Bolhi, the side had entered the 16-team tournament as the reigning African champions, having won just the second Africa Cup of Nations title in the country’s history in 2019.

“Winning a title for the national team is an unforgettable experience. It’s hard to express in words. It is a special moment I love to celebrate with the team and our fans after the match. After winning the African Cup, our team won a second title,” he said.

“Winning the Arab Cup was a big achievement, especially because we won it in Qatar while playing in world-class stadiums. I am grateful that I was a part of the team that won the Arab Cup.”

Bounedjah won the title in a familiar territory, having arrived in Qatar in 2015 to play for Al Sadd. He left the Wolves last season as the club’s highest scorer, bagging 150 goals in nine seasons. He currently plays for fellow Qatar Stars League side Al Shamal.

Now a home for a decade, he said Qatar’s achievements as the host of major tournaments are a matter of pride for him and the region.

“Qatar has successfully organised the FIFA Arab Cup and the biggest football tournament – the World Cup. We are proud of this achievement and [I] wish good luck to all Arab teams.”

Looking ahead to this year’s competition, where Algeria will defend the title against 15 other regional teams, Bounedjah thinks passionate fans will make for an extra push.

“Algerian fans do not need any motivation,” he said. “They are always eager to support their team. They love football and share a strong passion for Algeria and Algerian football. As players, we are happy to make our fans proud by winning two titles from 2019 to 2022. We hope to give them another win.

“When playing for the national team, you have to give 150% or 200% of your potential. There’s always a sense of pride in playing for your country’s national team.”

‘Significance beyond football’

In a separate statement released by the FIFA Arab Cup 2025’s organising committee, Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, echoed Bounedjah’s sentiments.

Sheikh Hamad, who also chairs the tournament’s local organising committee, said the tournament’s significance transcends football.

“The FIFA Arab Cup holds a special place for the people of this region,” he said. “This tournament’s significance goes beyond football; it’s a celebration of our passion and identity – one that unites players and fans alike.”

Qatar will host the Arab Cup immediately after the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025, set to be held from November 3 to 27. Finals of the FIFA Arab Cup will be held on December 18, on the occasion of the Qatar National Day and exactly three years from the 2022 World Cup final.

“We are proud to host the tournament for the second time, which will celebrate the best of Arab football and once again showcase the power of sports in bringing people together,” Sheikh Khalifa added.

“This will be an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of Arab unity, while showcasing the rich culture of the Arab world and highlight the limitless ability of its people in sports and other fields.

“We are delighted to welcome the world once again, particularly fans from the region to revel in the excitement of the beautiful game.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expressed his confidence in Qatar successfully hosting yet another major football event in comments published on the FIFA website.

“I know Qatar will once again brilliantly rise to the challenge of staging this exciting FIFA tournament. The hospitality and facilities in this country are exceptional, and every team will have the best conditions in which to prepare,” he said.