Amidst a great atmosphere of anticipation and intense media presence, the Competitions Committee of the Iraqi Football Federation announced on Sunday evening the results of the quarter-final draw of the Iraqi Cup for the 2024-2025 season during a press conference held in the conference hall at the federation's headquarters.

The draw resulted in strong matchups and others that carry a surprise element, with fan speculation about the possibility of classic encounters in the semi-finals or finals, making the upcoming stage of the tournament an open battle for the title.

The draw placed Al-Shorta Club in a fiery clash with Al-Student, in a match considered one of the highlights of this round, given its large fan base and the long history between the two teams. Al-Shorta enters this stage buoyed by winning the Iraqi Stars League title for the fourth consecutive season, reflecting the stability and cohesion within its ranks, while Al-Student relies on its young players and fighting spirit to try to eliminate the champion and make a strong presence in the tournament.

On the same side of the draw, Zakho will meet Norouz in a purely northern encounter that is one of the most balanced matches on paper. Both teams know each other well, and both have high ambitions to reach the golden square, especially after the stable season each has had in the league.

On the other path of the tournament, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya will clash with Al-Najaf in a match between history and ambition, as Al-Jawiya enters the match hoping to save its season with a cup title after losing the league title, while Al-Najaf seeks to repeat its good performances and overcome one of the oldest teams in the country.

In the same path, Al-Minaa faces Duhok in a paper-balanced struggle, bringing together an experienced southern team relying on its players' experience in cup matches and an organized and technically developed northern team that has proven its ability this season to embarrass the big teams and snatch results.

According to what was confirmed by the Chairman of the Competitions Committee, Dr. Firas Mutasher, during the conference, the upcoming stage will also witness the announcement of the complete schedule for the end of the season, including the Iraqi Stars League, the Premier League, the first division, the second division, and age categories, along with providing extensive statistics for all competitions.

Iraqi fans are eagerly anticipating these matchups with high focus, as there is no room for compensation, and every step brings them closer to glory. The tournament is entering the decisive stages, and whoever survives this round will be just one step away from the grand final, where only the strongest and most prepared will prevail.