Rabat – Morocco face the United Arab Emir ates today in the first semi-final of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.
The Atlas Lions are unbeaten, winning two group games and drawing one, before beating Syria 1-0 in the quarter-finals with Walid Azaro scoring in the 79th minute.
Morocco is aiming for its second Arab Cup final after winning the title in 2012. The UAE shocked defending champions Algeria on penalties in the quarters and now hopes to reach the final for the first time.
منتخبنا الوطني في مواجهة الإمارات لحساب نصف نهائي كأس العرب قطر 2025 💪🏻
𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒎𝒊-𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒚 🇲🇦🇦🇪
Our Semi-Finals game at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 today 🆚 United Arab Emirates#DimaMaghrib pic.twitter.com/kYAE6V5PzL
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) December 15, 2025
Match Details:
- Fixture: Morocco vs United Arab Emirates
- Competition: FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 – Semi-final
- Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor (Qatar)
- Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
- Kick-off: 3:30 p.m. (GMT+1) / 5:30 p.m. Qatar time (GMT+3)
How to Watch: Live on beIN Sports, Al Kass 1, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports 1, Kuwait Sports, Sharjah Sports, and other regional channels (FIFA+ streaming may also carry the match.)
Morocco Team News
Coach Tarik Sektioui has called up 26 players for the Morocco squad, comprising home-based and regional stars.
None of the big names from Europe are included, but the team still has plenty of strength.
Absences: The only absence is left‑back Mohamed Moufid, suspended after his red card against Syria. Otherwise, the squad is complete and has grown more cohesive in recent months. Morocco is one of just two unbeaten teams left in the Arab Cup.
Key players include Azaro, who carries the scoring load, while Hamdallah and Bencharki add finishing power. El Karti and Tissoudali will look to create chances with passing and set pieces. At the back, Sektioui is expected to field his strongest lineup and keep faith in them if Morocco takes control.
Predicted lineup (Morocco): M. Benabid (GK); Mohamed Boulacsout, Soufiane Bouftini, Marwane Saâdane, Hamza El Moussaoui; Walid El Karti, Rabie Hrimat; Karim El Berkaoui, Oussama Tannane, Amine Zahzouh; Tarik Tissoudali.
UAE Team News
The UAE squad is preparing for the semi-final against Morocco with few injury worries. Striker Fabio Lima and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa are nursing knocks, but coach Cosmin Olaroiu trusts his team’s depth. His side showed strong character in the quarter-final, beating Algeria 7–6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Key players include Al Meqbaali, who saved two penalties against Algeria, and captain Abbas, who anchors the defense.
In midfield, Gimenez and Barman will try to slow Morocco’s attacks. Mabkhout remains the main scoring threat.
Predicted lineup (UAE): A. Al Hosani (GK); M. Al Attas, W. Abbas, O. Jumaa, E. Al Mahyani; A. Barman, A. Salmeen; A. Ramadan, H. Fardan; A. Mabkhout, C. Canedo.
What to Expect
Morocco are expected to take control of the match. Midfielders Walid El Karti and Rabie Hrimat will look to keep possession and set the pace.
Oussama Tannane and Youssef Zahzouh will use the wings to stretch the UAE defense and send in crosses.
The UAE are likely to stay compact in a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 shape. Cosmin Olaroiu’s side has shown it can absorb pressure.
Their main threat will be counterattacks led by Ali Mabkhout and Caio, or set-piece opportunities.
If Morocco score first, the UAE may have to push forward, leaving space behind. Otherwise, they will sit deep, close gaps, and wait for a late chance to keep the game tight.
Prediction: Morocco 2-0 UAE
