Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, one of the Gulf region’s premier football tournaments, scheduled to take place from 23 September to 6 October 2026 in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.
The announcement was made by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a major venue for regional sports events. The tournament will bring together the eight national teams from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member nations — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Yemen — in a celebration of Gulf football and regional rivalry.
Return to Saudi Soil After a Decade
Jeddah’s hosting marks the return of the Arabian Gulf Cup to Saudi Arabia after more than ten years, with the previous Saudi‑hosted edition taking place in 2014. Saudi football officials and fans alike are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most professionally organized editions of the tournament in its history.
Matches are expected to be played at two of the Kingdom’s most modern venues — King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Al Inma Stadium) and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium — both of which have hosted a range of international and club football fixtures in recent years.
Tournament Format and Build‑Up
As with previous editions, the Gulf Cup will feature a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final where regional bragging rights and the beloved Khaliji Cup trophy will be on the line. Preparations are already underway, with the AGCFF set to conduct a formal draw for the tournament in mid‑2026 once FIFA rankings are updated.
Bahrain enters as the defending champion after its victory in the 26th edition, and football fans across the Gulf are eagerly anticipating how each squad will shape up — particularly with emerging talent and tactical changes shaping team strategies ahead of the tournament.
Boost for Regional Football
The Arabian Gulf Cup, established in 1970, is deeply rooted in regional football culture and remains one of the GCC’s most historic competitions. It gives Gulf players a stage to compete at a high level outside of Asian or global competitions, strengthening regional football cohesion and fan engagement. Over the years, it has produced memorable moments and rivalries that resonate with fans from Muscat to Manama and beyond.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 27th edition also aligns with its broader strategy of boosting sports tourism and international athletics engagement, adding to its portfolio of high‑profile sporting events.
Looking Ahead
With less than a year until kick‑off, national federations will continue squad preparations, tactical planning, and qualification campaigns in parallel with other international fixtures. Football fans across the GCC are already marking their calendars, as the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup promises to deliver intense competition, regional pride, and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
