FIFA Arab Cup
United Arab Emirates were the final Asian side to confirm their last eight spot, joining Palestine, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq.
Ahead of the quarter-finals which will be played on Thursday and Friday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the match-ups.
Ahead of the quarter-finals which will be played on Thursday and Friday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the match-ups.
Morocco v Syria
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: Thursday, 17:30 (UTC+3)
The odds may favour Morocco but Syria will not be lacking in confidence when the sides kick off the quarter-final action.
Syria advanced as the Group A runners-up, finishing behind Palestine on goal difference while Morocco topped Group B with seven points, one ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: Thursday, 17:30 (UTC+3)
The odds may favour Morocco but Syria will not be lacking in confidence when the sides kick off the quarter-final action.
Syria advanced as the Group A runners-up, finishing behind Palestine on goal difference while Morocco topped Group B with seven points, one ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Syria, who advanced from the qualifiers, opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against 2021 runners-up Tunisia.
That was followed by a 1-1 draw with hosts Qatar, followed by a goalless stalemate with Palestine.
Omar Khribin has been in sizzling form and despite Morocco's favourites' tag, Syria will head into the tie believing they can advance to the semi-finals.
That was followed by a 1-1 draw with hosts Qatar, followed by a goalless stalemate with Palestine.
Omar Khribin has been in sizzling form and despite Morocco's favourites' tag, Syria will head into the tie believing they can advance to the semi-finals.
Palestine v Saudi Arabia
Venue: Lusail Stadium (Lusail)
Kick-off: Thursday, 20:30 (UTC+3)
Palestine will be equally confident against Saudi Arabia, despite the pedigree of their opponents.
A deserving 1-0 win against Qatar saw them kicking off their campaign on a high note and they then showed their determination and drive in holding Tunisia to a 2-2 draw.
Venue: Lusail Stadium (Lusail)
Kick-off: Thursday, 20:30 (UTC+3)
Palestine will be equally confident against Saudi Arabia, despite the pedigree of their opponents.
A deserving 1-0 win against Qatar saw them kicking off their campaign on a high note and they then showed their determination and drive in holding Tunisia to a 2-2 draw.
The goalless draw with Syria confirmed them as the Group A winners and goalkeeper Rami Hamada said Palestine are focused on achieving even more.
“It’s amazing to think that we have finished as the top team in the group and now we just continue to look ahead, to go step-by-step," said Hamada.
“It’s amazing to think that we have finished as the top team in the group and now we just continue to look ahead, to go step-by-step," said Hamada.
A 1-0 defeat to Morocco meant a second-placed finish for Saudi Arabia in Group B but Herve Renard's side are unlikely to allow that to affect them.
Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Saudi Arabia will head into the tie determined to maintain their status as one of the continent's top teams.
Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Saudi Arabia will head into the tie determined to maintain their status as one of the continent's top teams.
Jordan v Iraq
Venue: Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: Friday, 17:30 (UTC+3)
Jordan will take a perfect record of three wins into the quarter-finals, having easily taken the Group C top spot.
A 2-1 victory against the UAE was followed by triumphs against Kuwait (3-1) and Egypt (3-0) as Jordan continued their amazing run since making the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final.
Venue: Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: Friday, 17:30 (UTC+3)
Jordan will take a perfect record of three wins into the quarter-finals, having easily taken the Group C top spot.
A 2-1 victory against the UAE was followed by triumphs against Kuwait (3-1) and Egypt (3-0) as Jordan continued their amazing run since making the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final.
That was followed by a debut qualification for the FIFA World Cup and Jordan can be expected to be at their roaring best.
Iraq will also be determined to produce their best after having to settle for a second-placed finish in Group D.
Iraq will also be determined to produce their best after having to settle for a second-placed finish in Group D.
Having confirmed their quarter-final spot with victories against Bahrain (2-1) and Sudan (2-0), Iraq suffered a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Algeria in their concluding tie on Tuesday.
Preparing for the FIFA Playoff Tournament in March, Iraq's long term target is confirming their ticket to the global showpiece next summer and defeating Jordan will be a tremendous boost to their confidence.
Preparing for the FIFA Playoff Tournament in March, Iraq's long term target is confirming their ticket to the global showpiece next summer and defeating Jordan will be a tremendous boost to their confidence.
Algeria v UAE
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+3)
UAE saved their best for the last Group D match, defeating Kuwait 3-1 on Tuesday to advance into the quarter-finals ahead of Egypt.
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+3)
UAE saved their best for the last Group D match, defeating Kuwait 3-1 on Tuesday to advance into the quarter-finals ahead of Egypt.
The defeat against Jordan and 1-1 draw with Egypt meant elimination was staring at them in the face but UAE, who were left disappointed by Iraq in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 Knockout Stage Playoff, delivered when it mattered most and will be determined to extend their journey.
Algeria, however, will be tough opponents but they have shown chinks in their armour and UAE will look to capitalise.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
Algeria, however, will be tough opponents but they have shown chinks in their armour and UAE will look to capitalise.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
