Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to kick off Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah today

Gulf football fans will turn their attention to Jeddah today as the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup kicks off, with Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament for the fifth time in its history—and 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, featuring eight teams competing for the title.

The opening match will see Saudi Arabia face Kuwait at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Group A, following an earlier clash between Iraq and Oman at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in the same group, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Group B features Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Yemen.

The Gulf Cup continues its legacy spanning over five decades since its inaugural edition in Bahrain in 1970, maintaining its status as one of the region's premier sporting events, rich in competitive spirit, history, and memorable moments for Gulf fans.

Saudi Arabia enters the 27th edition aiming to reclaim the title it last won at Gulf Cup 16 in 2003. The Green Falcons have three previous titles, secured in 1994, 2002, and 2003, and will compete under Greek head coach Georgios Donis, appointed in April, as they seek to lift the trophy in front of home fans.

Kuwait, meanwhile, is looking to restore its Gulf Cup glory and extend its record of ten titles, achieved in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 1998, and 2010. The Blues are counting on the experience of Portuguese coach Helio Sousa and several seasoned players to make a strong start to their campaign.

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 and Oman will both be aiming for a positive start to boost their chances of advancing to the next round.

Iraq, one of the Gulf Cup's most successful teams with four titles (1979, 1984, 1988, and 2023), enters the tournament under Australian head coach Graham Arnold, who led the team to the 2026 World Cup finals.

Oman is seeking a third title after triumphs in 2009 and 2017, with Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui at the helm and a squad featuring several experienced Gulf Cup players.

Iraq and Oman have faced each other 12 times in the tournament's history, with Iraq winning six times, Oman twice, and four matches ending in draws.

Gulf Cup 27 matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums in Jeddah, with 15 games featuring the eight Gulf teams in this latest edition of the prestigious tournament.