On a date already rich with football memory, Morocco climbed the Lusail Stadium steps again and lifted a major trophy. The Atlas Lions beat Jordan 3-2 after extra time to win the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup on December 18, a dramatic final that swung, flipped, and finally settled on the calm right boot of Abderrazak Hamdallah.

It took 120 minutes and five goals to separate two smart, brave teams. It also took nerve, video review, and one last burst of concentration. Morocco’s second Arab Cup crown arrives 13 years after their first in 2012, and caps a year that already included the African Nations Championship in August. This group is getting used to winning.

Lusail hosts another classic: Morocco 3-2 Jordan after ET

The final at Lusail, the same arena that staged the 2022 World Cup showpiece, delivered another night to remember. As one tournament line summed it up, “The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Final produced a night to remember in Lusail.” The contest had everything: an early shock, a comeback, a VAR check, and an extra-time clincher.

Oussama Tannane stunned Jordan inside three minutes, whipping Morocco into a dream start. Jordan, coached and composed, did not panic. They found their rhythm after halftime through Ali Olwan, the tournament’s most reliable finisher. Olwan headed Jordan level in the 48th minute, then struck again from the spot on 67 minutes. Suddenly, the underdog was on top.

How the final swung: early jolt, Jordan’s surge, Hamdallah’s clincher

Trailing 2-1, Morocco turned to experience and control. The Atlas Lions pushed play higher and forced errors. With two minutes left in normal time, Hamdallah drew Morocco even. The equalizer needed a VAR check, but it stood at 88′, and the final moved into extra time with all the momentum shifting back to the North Africans.

Ten minutes into extra time, Hamdallah struck again. The veteran forward guided Morocco to the line with a cool finish in the 100th minute, sealing a 3-2 victory and confirming an epic headline seen across feeds: “Hamed Allah has last word as Morocco clinch epic final.” Fittingly, it was his night.

“Hamdallah didn’t just score; he read the game like a captain and closed the door.”

VAR drama and big moments under pressure

The VAR-confirmed equalizer at 88′ mattered for more than the scoreboard. It showed Morocco’s belief and poise. They did not rush. They trusted the system and their shape. When the decision came, they were ready to go again.

Jordan handled the spotlight, too. Olwan’s penalty at 67′ showed focus. His six-goal tally across the tournament earned him the Golden Boot. For long spells, Jordan managed the pace and the space, and made Morocco swing wide. In the end, the margins were thin and the details decided it.

“Jordan were one good pass from the title. Fine lines at the very top.”

Atlas Lions’ route to the crown

Morocco’s path was steady and serious. They topped their group after beating Comoros 3-1, drawing 0-0 with Oman, and edging Saudi Arabia 1-0. In the knockout rounds, the Atlas Lions kept clean sheets: 1-0 against Syria in the quarterfinals and 3-0 versus the UAE in the semifinals. They arrived at the final as group winners and clear favorites—and still had to dig very deep to finish the job.

Jordan’s brave run to Lusail

Jordan, known as Al-Nashama, owned Group C with nine points from nine, beating the UAE 2-1, Kuwait 3-1, and Egypt 3-0. In the quarters and semis, they showed control in tight games: 1-0 over Iraq and 1-0 over Saudi Arabia. The final asked them for one more push, and they nearly found it. This was a run built on structure, work rate, and Olwan’s sharp edge up front.

Stars of the tournament: Harimat, Olwan, Benabid

Individual honors matched the eye test. Mohamed Rabii Harimat was named Best Player. He set the tempo for Morocco and connected lines, a sign of how the Atlas Lions won the midfield most nights. Ali Olwan, with six goals, took Top Scorer, a fair reward for his movement and timing. And El Mehdi Benabid claimed Best Goalkeeper, reflecting Morocco’s strong defensive base all month.

As one line from the coverage put it: “Morocco was crowned champion of the FIFA Arab Cup after defeating Jordan 3-2 in overtime. An epic final marked by decisive goals, drama, and the character of a team accustomed to winning.” That reads like a summary of the entire tournament for the Atlas Lions.

“Harimat ran the rhythm; Olwan stole scenes; Benabid kept the door locked.”

Why this title matters for Morocco—and for Jordan

For Morocco, this trophy confirms a culture. They won the CHAN in August. Now they add the Arab Cup in December. Different squads, same standards: compact shape, set-piece care, and leaders who step up late. The message is simple—winning is a habit.

For Jordan, this was proof they belong in big games. They were brave with the ball and smart without it. They led a final in Lusail and forced Morocco into their highest gear. There is pride here and a platform to build on. Small tweaks in the last third, and this run can be a springboard.

Qatar’s stage and a date that echoes 2022

This was the 11th edition of the Arab Cup, with 16 teams and Qatar hosting for the third time. The schedule ran from December 1 to 18, ending on the exact three-year anniversary of the 2022 World Cup final at the same venue. Lusail keeps finding drama. It has become a stage where history feels close, and where endings are often grand.

Scenes at home: a night of celebration

Back in Morocco, the party began at the final whistle. Fans poured into the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, Kenitra, Fez, Tangier, and Tetouan. Fan zones filled fast. Songs and flags took over the night. A year with two trophies deserved a long celebration.

The final word

Morocco’s 3-2 extra-time win over Jordan will sit with the great Arab Cup finals. It had a lightning start, a fearless reply, a debate with VAR, and a striker who found the last word in extra time. It also had respect—two teams playing brave football in a high-pressure game.

The Atlas Lions are champions again. The road to this moment was not easy, but it was earned. For Jordan, the gap is smaller than the score suggests. If they keep this level, they will get another shot. Football at Lusail tends to remember the bold.

And so the year ends with Morocco on top and the region on notice. The Atlas Lions have added another chapter to a growing story—calm, clutch, and built for the biggest nights.