Jeddah to host 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2026: groups, venues, and details

Preparations for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament, known as "Gulf Cup 27," have entered their final stages in Jeddah, with just 30 days remaining before the competition kicks off from September 23 to October 6, 2026. Eight Gulf national teams will compete in 15 matches during the tournament.

The opening match, featuring Saudi Arabia against Kuwait, will coincide with the Kingdom's 96th National Day, adding a festive atmosphere to the start of the regional football event.

Comprehensive organizational and operational readiness

The local organizing committee continues its efforts to finalize all organizational and operational preparations for the tournament, covering stadiums, facilities, match operations, transportation, logistics, and services for teams, fans, and media. These efforts aim to deliver an experience worthy of the tournament's prestige and the enthusiasm of Gulf football fans.

"Gulf Cup 27" matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums, promising an exciting sporting atmosphere in Jeddah with the participation of top Gulf teams.

Tournament draw and group stage

The tournament draw, held last May in Historic Jeddah, placed Saudi Arabia in Group A alongside Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait. Group B includes Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Organizing committee statements and tournament significance

Mee Al-Halabi, CEO of the local organizing committee, stated that reaching the 30-day mark signals the start of the final preparation phase, with a focus on coordination among teams and partners to ensure a tournament befitting the Gulf Cup's legacy.

Al-Halabi added that "Gulf Cup 27" is a key milestone among the tournaments Saudi Arabia has hosted, contributing to improved organizational processes, team efficiency, and readiness. She noted that the tournament precedes Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, further enhancing the Kingdom's preparedness for major continental events.

Part of Saudi Arabia's tournament hosting journey

The hosting of "Gulf Cup 27" is part of a series of major tournaments Saudi Arabia will stage in 2026, including the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, and the AFC Champions League Elite Finals. These events help build organizational expertise and test the readiness of facilities and teams.