The FIFA Referees Committee has officially announced the refereeing team that will officiate the highly anticipated semi-final match of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025, with Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez to manage the Arab football derby between the Saudi national team and its Jordanian counterpart.
Date and location of the anticipated Arab summit
The Saudi national team, nicknamed "Al-Akhdar" (The Green), is preparing to face their Jordanian counterparts, "Al-Nashama" (The Knights), next Monday evening in a crucial match at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. This encounter is part of a fierce battle to secure a place in the final and take a significant step towards claiming the coveted Arab title.
Al-Akhdar's difficult journey towards the Golden Square
The Saudi national team's path to this stage was far from easy; they qualified for the semi-finals after a hard-fought match against Palestine in the quarter-finals. That encounter ended in a hard-fought and well-deserved 2-1 victory for Saudi Arabia, in a match that went to extra time (120 minutes), reflecting the high fighting spirit of the Saudi players and their burning desire to reclaim past Arab glory.
The importance of the match and the regional context
The match between Saudi Arabia and Jordan holds special significance beyond being merely a semi-final encounter; it represents a unique derby between the two neighboring countries, and matches between them are always characterized by intense rivalry and high-profile fan engagements. The appointment of a referee from South America (Paraguay) reflects FIFA's commitment to ensuring the highest levels of impartiality and rigorous officiating in a match expected to be physically demanding and highly competitive, given the similar skill levels of the two teams in recent years.
Arab Cup: A tournament that strengthens its position under the FIFA umbrella
This edition of the Arab Cup 2025 comes as a continuation of the resounding success the tournament has achieved since its official adoption under the auspices of FIFA, starting with the 2021 edition in Qatar. The tournament has transformed from a mere regional gathering into a true rehearsal and fiercely competitive event, comparable to continental championships, where Arab national teams strive to improve their international rankings and test their readiness for upcoming global competitions.
Al Bayt Stadium: The Theatre of Dreams
Choosing Al Bayt Stadium to host this summit adds an aesthetic and organizational dimension to the match. The stadium is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the traditional Arabic "bayt al-sha'ar" (house of poetry) and can accommodate more than 60,000 spectators. The stands are expected to be packed with fans of both teams, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere befitting the importance of the event and the stature of Arab football.
