The 26th Arabian Gulf Cup kicks off on Saturday in Kuwait when the 10-times champions and hosts get the ball rolling against Oman at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is it?
The tournament is organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and includes its eight member nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen.
Principally to take place every two years, the competition has been often affected by a number of issues — both political and organisational — meaning there was a gap between the 2019 tournament and the 2023 event, which was hosted and won by Iraq. That proved a special moment for Iraqi football as the team celebrated success while hosting a major football tournament for the first time in almost 44 years.
Where is it?
Kuwait, and, Kuwait City to be precise. The matches will be played at two venues: Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium (capacity: 60,000) in the Ardhiya area of the city, and the Sulaibikhat Stadium (capacity: 15,000) in Sulaibikhat.
When is it?
December 21-January 3.
Who’s competing?
The eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. They have been drawn in two groups of four, with Group A featuring: UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Group B comprises Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals on December 31, with the final held three days later on January 3.
Group A
December 21: Kuwait v Oman (9pm UAE)
December 21: UAE v Qatar (11pm)
December 24: Oman v Qatar (6.25pm)
December 24: Kuwait v UAE (9.30pm)
December 27: Kuwait v Qatar (6.30pm)
December 27: UAE v Oman (6.30pm)
Group B
December 22: Iraq v Yemen (6.25pm)
December 22: Saudi Arabia v Bahrain (9.30pm)
December 25: Yemen v Saudi Arabia (6.25pm)
December 25: Iraq v Bahrain (9.30pm)
December 28: Iraq v Saudi Arabia (6.30pm)
December 28: Bahrain v Yemen (6.30pm)
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Iraq players react after their 3-2 win over Oman. Reuters -
Iraqi fans watch the Arabian Gulf cup final on a big screen at Tahrir Square in Baghdad. AP -
Bayesh vies for the ball against Oman forward Zahir Al Aghbari at Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city. AFP -
Bayesh celebrates with teammates after scoring Iraq's first goal. Reuters -
Iraq midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh, left, reacts after scoring his team's first goal against Oman during the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final at the Basra International Stadium on Thursday. AFP -
Iraq's Ayman Hussein in action against Oman's Mohamed Al Musalami. Reuters -
Bayesh competes for the ball with Al Aghbari. Reuters -
An Iraq fan inside the stadium before the match. Reuters -
Iraq's Amir Al Ammari in action with Oman's Salaah Al Yahyaei. Reuters -
Fans inside the stadium before the match. Reuters -
Iraqi and Omani players before the start of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final. AFP -
Oman players pose for a team photo before the match. Reuters -
The Iraq team photo before the match. AFP -
Iraq fans inside the stadium await the match kick-off. Reuters
Who are the past winners?
Hosts Kuwait are way out in front in terms of success, with 10 titles in all. However, they have won only once in the past 25 years (2010). Iraq have lifted the trophy four times following their triumph two years ago, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have each lifted the trophy three times. The UAE (2007, 2013) and Oman have each won it twice. Iraq are the defending champions and will look to hang on to the trophy they won by defeating Oman 3-2 after extra-time in dramatic style in Basra.
How to watch in UAE?
Football fans eager to watch the tournament can catch it primarily on AD Sports and Dubai Sports.
