Jeddah welcomes eight nations for Arabian Gulf Cup

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 17:36

By ARN News Staff

The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup gets under way in Jeddah on Wednesday, bringing together eight national teams for one of the region's most prestigious football tournaments.

The competition, which runs until October 6, marks the first time Jeddah has hosted the Gulf Cup and the fifth time Saudi Arabia has staged the event.

The UAE begin their Group B campaign against Yemen on Thursday. They are joined in the group by Qatar and Bahrain, while Group A features hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

The tournament opens with two Group A fixtures on Wednesday, with Iraq facing Oman before hosts Saudi Arabia take on Kuwait in the official opening match.

Matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

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