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The Arab Cup has become one of the most exciting and culturally rich football
tournaments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Yet despite its
long history, growing fanbase, and strong football legacy, many sports enthusiasts
still don’t know the surprising facts behind this championship. If you’ve ever
wondered how the Arab Cup evolved, why it matters, and what hidden details
shaped its identity
Fact 1: The Arab Cup Is Older Than Many People Think
Many fans believe the Arab Cup is a modern creation, especially after its return
under FIFA’s umbrella in 2021. However, the tournament’s roots stretch back far
further. The first official Arab Cup was held in 1963 in Lebanon, making the event
one of the oldest regional football competitions in the world—older than the Gulf
Cup, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and even the UEFA European
Championship in its expanded form.
The early editions featured only a handful of countries, yet they carried enormous
symbolic value. The Arab League supported the concept as a way to celebrate
unity through sports. This makes the Arab Cup not only a football tournament but
also a cultural representation of the shared identity among Arab nations.
For decades, political instability and economic challenges caused long breaks in
the tournament’s continuity, which is why many younger fans assume it’s a recent
invention. In reality, its history spans more than 60 years.
Fact 2: Iraq Is the Most Successful Team in the Competition
When discussing Arab football powerhouses, teams like Egypt, Algeria, and
Morocco often dominate the conversation. But in the Arab Cup specifically, Iraq
holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament four times (1964,
1966, 1985, and 1988).
Iraq’s dominance during the 1960s and 80s was remarkable, especially considering
the political difficulties the country faced during those decades. The Iraqi national
team showcased strong tactical discipline, fearless counterattacks, and an early
generation of players who helped shape Iraqi football into a regional force.
Despite their impressive history, Iraq has not lifted the trophy since the
tournament’s modern relaunch in 2021, making future editions even more exciting
as fans wait to see whether the team can reclaim its former glory.
Fact 3: The Tournament Has Been Discontinued Several Times
Unlike the World Cup or AFC Asian Cup, which follow strict schedules, the Arab Cup
has suffered frequent interruptions. Political instability, regional conflicts, financial
challenges, and disagreements between federations all contributed to multiple
cancellations.
For example:
No tournament was held between 1966 and 1985.
After the 1988 edition, the event went missing for another 14 years.
The early 2000s editions suffered from organizational issues and lack of long-term
planning.
These long gaps explain why the Arab Cup has fewer editions compared to other
international tournaments. Yet despite these breaks, the competition has survived
, earning a reputation as a resilient symbol of Arab sports culture.
Fact 4: The 2021 Edition Was the First Arab Cup Organized by FIFA
One of the biggest turning points in the tournament’s history came when FIFA
officially organized the Arab Cup for the first time in 2021. Hosted in Qatar, the
competition served as a massive test run for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
What made this edition special?
VAR technology was used extensively.
Matches were played in newly-built World Cup stadiums such as Al Bayt and Al
Thumama.
Over 16 teams competed under FIFA rules.
It became one of the most-watched sports events in the Arab world that year.
Algeria went on to win the title after a dramatic final against Tunisia, marking a new
era of professionalism and global visibility for the Arab Cup.
Fact 5: Some Arab Giants Didn’t Always Participate
Although Egypt is the most successful African nation in overall football, and Saudi
Arabia is a giant in Asian football, both countries have skipped several Arab Cup
editions. Reasons include crowded schedules, prioritizing continental
tournaments, or last-minute team withdrawals.
Egypt, for example, participated in only a handful of tournaments despite being
one of the founding Arab football nations. Saudi Arabia also sent youth teams
during some editions instead of their main squad, impacting competitiveness.
These irregular participations created unique openings for teams like Iraq,
Morocco’s local-based squad, Algeria’s B team, and Tunisia to shine during
different eras of the competition.
Fact 6: The Arab Cup Has Produced Famous Footballers
While the tournament doesn’t always feature star-studded lineups like the Africa
Cup of Nations or Copa América, the Arab Cup has nonetheless helped shape the
careers of several well-known players.
Some standout footballers who gained attention through the Arab Cup or used it
as a proving ground include:
Yacine Brahimi (Algeria) – MVP of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.
Akram Afif (Qatar) – One of the best modern Asian forwards.
Mohamed Nahiri (Morocco) – Known for his incredible long-range goals.
Seifeddine Jaziri (Tunisia) – Top scorer in the 2021 edition.
Many of these athletes used the tournament to display their talent on a bigger
stage, helping them earn transfers, national team promotions, and international
recognition.
Fact 7: The Tournament Showcases Incredible Rivalries
One of the most exciting aspects of the Arab Cup is the intense rivalries that unfold
on the field. Many of these rivalries are fueled by geography, history, and
passionate fanbases.
Some of the fiercest matchups include:
Algeria vs. Tunisia – A North African classic with decades of tension and mutual
respect.
Egypt vs. Morocco – Known for dramatic clashes in multiple competitions.
Iraq vs. Saudi Arabia – A rivalry shaped by political history and football
competition.
Lebanon vs. Syria – Regional proximity transforms every match into a derby
atmosphere.
Unlike continental tournaments where teams meet less frequently, the Arab Cup
gathers culturally similar nations with long-standing football tension, creating
high-energy matches with strong emotional stakes.
Fact 8: The Arab Cup Is Poised for a Major Comeback
With the success of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 and the growing investment in sports
across the MENA region, analysts expect the Arab Cup to return in an even stronger
format. Many sources indicate that future editions could:
Become part of a regular 4-year cycle.
Expand to include more teams.
Integrate club-level tournaments that mirror the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Receive increased commercial sponsorship and media broadcasting rights.
The tournament’s revival reflects the region’s rising sports influence, with countries
like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, investing heavily in football infrastructure,
talent development, and global events.
If the next Arab Cup follows FIFA standards again, it could evolve into one of the
most-watched regional competitions worldwide.
The Arab Cup competition is far more than a regional tournament—it’s a historical
symbol of unity, a showcase of rising talents, and a stage filled with unforgettable
Rivalries and cultural identity. From Iraq’s early dominance to Algeria’s modern
triumphs and FIFA’s renewed interest, the Arab Cup carries a legacy of passion and
football excellence.
