Sport|FootballGritty Palestine enter Arab Cup quarters as favourites Qatar crash outTunisia beat Asian champions Qatar 3-0, while Palestine draw with Syria to enter the quarterfinals for the first time.

Qatar was eliminated from the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 following a 3-0 defeat against Tunisia. Palestine advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time after a 0-0 draw with Syria.

Qatar needed a decisive win over Tunisia to progress from Group A. However, Palestine and Syria maintained their lead, completing the group stage on Sun, Dec 7, 2025.

Tunisia took the lead in the 16th minute after Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Meshaal Barsham. Despite Qatar holding 60% possession, their forwards, led by Akram Afif, failed to create scoring opportunities.

In the 62nd minute, Yassine Meriah extended Tunisia's lead with a header. Although Tunisia was reduced to 10 players after Seifeddine Jaziri's ejection, Qatar could not leverage this advantage. Mohamed Benali secured Tunisia's victory with a late goal.

Both Tunisia and Qatar were eliminated following the results of the other group match.

Qatar’s Akram Afif in action with Tunisia’s Ferjani Sassi

In a parallel match, Palestine and Syria played to a scoreless draw at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, ensuring their advancement to the quarterfinals.

Palestine previously defeated Qatar with an own goal and drew against Tunisia, while Syria won against Tunisia 1-0. Both teams required only a draw to advance, which they achieved.

Palestine’s Ikram Rami Hamadeh and Hamed Hamdan celebrate after qualifying for the knockout stage

Palestine is ranked 96th in FIFA rankings, while Syria is 87th. Qatar and Tunisia, ranked higher at 51st and 40th respectively, were unable to progress. Qatar and Tunisia have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but Palestine and Syria have yet to achieve qualification for this event.

Syrian and Palestinian players celebrate after qualifying for the knockout stage

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.