Four years on from the last edition, attention swings back to Qatar for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup, which arrives at a moment when Arab football is riding a wave of momentum both in individual flair and collective performance.
The spotlight will be firmly trained on the Arab stars forming the spine of their national teams. These players carry on their shoulders the hopes of millions who are banking on them to shine in Qatar.
This year’s tournament promises to be packed with excitement, and not just because Arab sides have raised their game, but also because it will feature standouts such as Yazan Al Naimat, Akram Afif and Salem Al Dawsari, all of whom have played a vital part in their teams’ success and scooped up individual awards along the way.
The FIFA spotlight falls on a select group of the Arab world’s finest, showcasing their individual brilliance and game-changing potential.
Adil Boulbina – Algeria
Adil Boulbina is one of the most promising up-and-coming talents in Algerian football, with the forward possessing pace, dribbling flair, and incisive play-making vision.
The Algerian league’s top scorer last season with 20 goals and seven assists for Paradou AC, Boulbina is tipped to be a key attacking weapon for the Desert Foxes as they look to defend their title.
Yazan Al Naimat – Jordan
Yazan Al Naimat ranks among Jordan’s brightest stars, having starred during the 2023 Asian Cup with four goals and three assists across seven matches, helping drive the Nashama all the way to the final.
He also impressed in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers, netting eight goals and setting up seven in 14 appearances. With his quickness, intelligent movement inside the box and clinical finishing ability, Al Naimat is one of the forwards to watch at the Arab Cup.
Achraf Bencharki – Morocco
Bencharki is set to be a pivotal player for Morocco, thanks to his versatility across multiple attacking positions, scoring touch and ability to create chances.
He was instrumental in Moroccan club Wydad AC’s successful title campaign at the 2017 CAF Champions League, and he has also represented illustrious Arab clubs like Egypt’s Zamalek and Al Ahly and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. He is regarded as a vital attacking option for the Atlas Lions, who enter the tournament as major title contenders.
Akram Afif – Qatar
One of the finest players in all of Asia, Afif will be among the headline acts of this tournament with his breathtaking speed, exquisite ball control and ability to pop up all over the pitch.
He boasts a stellar individual resume, including two AFC Player of the Year awards (2019 and 2023) and the Best Player gong at the most recent AFC Asian Cup.
Salem Al Dawsari – Saudi Arabia
Al Dawsari is a true icon of Saudi football. Operating from the wing, he is lightning-quick and technically brilliant, with an ability to score from anywhere, making him indispensable to the Green Falcons’ hopes at the Arab Cup.
A two-time winner of AFC Player of the Year award (2022 and 2025), he played a major role in Al Hilal’s success at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. He also scored Saudi Arabia’s historic goal against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, plus another against Mexico, making him the national team’s joint all-time top scorer on the world stage, alongside Sami Al Jaber.
Hazem Mastouri – Tunisia
Centre-forward Mastouri is a forceful presence in Tunisia’s attack, standing out for his physical strength, ability to shield the ball and tremendous goal-scoring prowess inside the box.
This season he has scored twice and assisted twice in 16 matches for Russian side Dynamo Makhachkala, and the Eagles of Carthage are expected to lean on him heavily in their campaign for the regional title.
Caio Lucas – United Arab Emirates
Brazilian-born Caio Lucas became an Emirati citizen in 2024, qualifying him to represent his adopted nation. He has already earned seven caps, all during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, scoring two goals in the process.
The forward steered Sharjah FC to the AFC Champions League Two title last season, also picking up the tournament’s Best Player award. Now he hopes to lead the UAE to a strong showing in Qatar.
Aymen Hussein – Iraq
Aymen Hussein’s powerful build makes him a menace in aerial duels and physical battles, and he will be a vital asset for Iraq thanks to his ability to operate as a target man and make intelligent runs between defenders.
One of the most reliable scorers for the Lions of Mesopotamia, the veteran forward has shone particularly bright on the biggest stages. He holds the Iraqi record for most goals scored in a single AFC Asian Cup tournament, having notched six in the 2023 edition.
Mohammad Daham – Kuwait
Known for his speed, wing play and a knack for both scoring and setting up goals, Daham was named the Best Player in the Kuwaiti Premier League for the 2022-2023 season after scoring 18 goals and has recently emerged as one of the national team’s fast-rising talents.
He put his stamp on Kuwait’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign when he scored an equaliser against Jordan in the third round, positioning himself as a key figure for the Blues at the Arab Cup.
Oday Dabbagh – Palestine
Oday Dabbagh brings dynamism, constant movement and an ability to score from anywhere, as well as valuable experience from stints in European and Gulf leagues.
Dabbagh will be a cornerstone of Palestine’s approach to this tournament, having recorded 16 goals and five assists in 45 appearances for the national team.
