Gulf Cup 27 kicks off in Jeddah with Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait opener

Gulf football fans will turn their attention to Jeddah on Sunday as the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup gets underway. Saudi Arabia is hosting the tournament for the fifth time in its history, but for the first time in Jeddah, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event runs from September 23 to October 6, 2026, with eight national teams competing for the title.

The opening match between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will take place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium as part of Group A. Earlier, Iraq will face Oman at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in another Group A clash, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Group B features Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Tournament history and team ambitions

The Gulf Cup, launched in Bahrain in 1970, has remained one of the region’s premier sporting events for over five decades. Saudi Arabia enters the 27th edition aiming to reclaim the title it last won at Gulf Cup 16 in 2003. The team, led by Greek coach Georgios Donis, has previously won the tournament three times—in 1994, 2002, and 2003.

Kuwait, meanwhile, seeks to extend its record as the most successful team in Gulf Cup history, having lifted the trophy ten times. The squad is guided by Portuguese coach Helio Sousa and features several experienced players.

Historic encounters and fan anticipation

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have met 15 times in Gulf Cup history, with Saudi Arabia winning three matches, Kuwait five, and seven ending in draws. In the other Group A fixture, Iraq faces Oman, with both teams eager to start strongly and boost their chances of advancing.

Iraq is among the Gulf’s most decorated teams, having won the title four times. The team is coached by Australian Graham Arnold. Oman, led by Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui, is aiming for a third title after previous wins in 2009 and 2017.

Iraq and Oman have played 12 times in the tournament’s history, with Iraq winning six matches, Oman two, and four ending in draws.

Tournament organization and venues

Gulf Cup 27 will be held at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City in Jeddah, featuring 15 matches among the eight Gulf teams in another chapter of the prestigious competition.