In what is being heralded as a golden era for Arab football, clubs across the region are basking in international glory following significant victories in major championships.
The UAE’s Al Ain clinched the AFC Champions League title, while Egypt’s Al Ahly secured the CAF Champions League trophy, and their compatriots Zamalek won the CAF Confederation Cup. Lebanon’s Al Ahed also triumphed in the AFC Cup.
This remarkable achievement marks a record for Arab clubs, with six out of eight reaching the finals in both the African and Asian Champions Leagues and their respective confederation cups.
Al Ain soared to victory in the AFC Champions League, dominating Japan’s Yokohama Marinos with a stunning 5-0 scoreline. This win marks Al Ain’s second title in the competition and their first since 2003.
With this “Asian” crown, Al Ain has now qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, joining four other Arab clubs that have already secured their spots.
These include Egypt’s Al Ahly, who celebrated their 12th CAF Champions League win, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca (2019 champions), Tunisia’s ES Tunis (current runners-up), and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal (2019 AFC Champions League winners).
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to feature 32 of the world’s best clubs, promises to be an exciting tournament showcasing global football talents in the United States.
The event, scheduled for June 2025, will underline the rising prominence of Arab clubs on the international stage.
