The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 created two major shocks on the opening day as Palestine and Syria claimed memorable 1-0 victories over Qatar and Tunisia respectively.

The tournament’s curtain-raiser featured a vibrant opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium, where music, choreography, and pyrotechnics celebrated Qatari culture and Arab identity before the hosts took to the pitch for their Group A opener.

Qatar began brightly in front of a capacity crowd, controlling possession but struggling to convert it into meaningful chances. Palestine, compact and disciplined, absorbed early pressure and grew in confidence as the match progressed.

The tension sharpened after the break when Akram Afif went down in the box under a challenge from Michael Termanini, but penalty appeals were dismissed. Moments later, Palestine signalled their intent as substitute Oday Dabbagh flashed a shot just wide.

As the game stretched, the visitors created clearer openings. Ahmad Alqaq fired over from close range in the 78th minute, and Zeid Qunbar came inches from meeting a dangerous cross from Wajdi Mohammed soon after. Those misses might have proved costly, but Palestine continued to push, and their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time.

In the 95th, a lofted ball into the area was flicked on by Player of the Match Mohammed Saleh, causing confusion inside the six-yard box.

Under pressure, Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, silencing the home support and sending the Palestinian bench into wild celebration. The result marked a dream start for Palestine.

Earlier, at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Syria set the tone with a disciplined performance to defeat Tunisia - finalists in the previous Arab Cup edition - before a lively crowd. Tunisia shaded a cautious first half, but the match swung dramatically three minutes into the second period.

From a free-kick on the edge of the area, Omar Kharbin stepped up and curled a precise effort around the wall, the ball grazing the post on its way past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.

Tunisia, backed by an overwhelmingly partisan crowd, pushed hard in the final stages. Playmaker Ismael Gharbi orchestrated attacks, and forward Firas Chaouat twice forced impressive saves from Syrian goalkeeper Shaher Al Shaker. But Syria - well-organised and determined - held firm to secure a statement 1-0 win.

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