The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final is set, with Jordan and Morocco earning their spots after impressive semifinal victories. This will be a historic showdown for both teams, especially for Jordan, who are appearing in the Arab Cup final for the first time.

Jordan Makes History With Semifinal Win

The Jordan national football team secured a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, thanks to a 66th-minute goal by Nizar Al Rashdan. This result ensures Jordan’s first-ever appearance in a FIFA Arab Cup final.

This milestone also marks Jordan’s chance to claim their first FIFA Arab Cup title. Previously, the team’s best finish was fourth place in the 1988 edition, which they hosted. A victory would also give Jordan their first major international trophy, adding to their record of two Pan Arab Games titles (1997 and 1999) and two Jordan FA Cups (1992 and 2022).

The semifinal match started at a slow pace, with limited chances in the first half. In the 66th minute, Mahmoud Al Mardi delivered a precise cross from the left, finding Al Rashdan, who scored brilliantly to break the deadlock. Saudi Arabia attempted a comeback, with Salem Al Dawsari and Saleh Al-Shehri testing Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, but Jordan held firm to secure the win.

Morocco Cruises Past UAE to Final

The Morocco national football team, one of the tournament favorites, also booked their place in the final with a commanding 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Morocco took the lead in the 28th minute when Karim El Berkaoui headed home a perfect cross from Hamza El Moussaoui. The Atlas Lions controlled the match, despite pressure from the UAE, with Soufiane Bouftini nearly doubling the lead before halftime.

In the second half, Morocco remained solid defensively, with goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid making crucial saves. Counterattacks proved lethal as Achraf El Mahdioui scored in the 84th minute, and Abderrazak Hamdallah sealed the 3-0 win in stoppage time, ensuring Morocco’s spot in the final. Morocco enters the final seeking their second FIFA Arab Cup title, their first having come in 2012.

This marks a historic milestone for the Jordanian team, as they will now fight for their first FIFA Arab Cup title and their first podium finish in the tournament. Their previous best result was fourth place in the 1988 edition, when Jordan hosted the competition.

Winning the Arab Cup would also be Jordan’s first major international trophy. The team’s honors so far include two Pan Arab Games titles (1997 and 1999) and two Jordan FA Cups (1992 and 2022).

The first half of the match was slow-paced, with few scoring opportunities. Only a timid shot from Jordan prevented both teams from going into halftime without registering a single serious chance.

The second half started cautiously, with both teams showing respect in attack. Everything changed in the 66th minute when Mahmoud Al Mardi delivered a precise cross from the left, finding the head of Al Rashdan, who scored brilliantly from behind the Saudi defense to make it 1-0.

Saudi Arabia responded quickly, launching their first real attempt on goal just five minutes later. Salem Al Dawsari, formerly of Villarreal, executed a clever half-turn shot, but Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila made a crucial save. The Saudis, coached by Hervé Renard, then intensified their attack, pressing Jordan’s defense while Jordan relied on counterattacks, with Shararh, coming off the bench, posing the main threat.

In the 87th minute, Saudi Arabia had their best chance, but forward Saleh Al-Shehri missed an open opportunity in the box.

As a result, Jordan will face Morocco in the FIFA Arab Cup final, a team that has won the competition only once, in 2012.

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