Jeddah to host 27th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament in 2026

Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament (Gulf 27) will kick off in Jeddah on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (corresponding to 12 Rabi Al-Akhir 1448 AH). The Kingdom will host the event until October 6, with eight national teams competing in 15 matches.

On this occasion, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed his sincere gratitude to King Salman for his generous patronage of this major Gulf sporting event.

In a press statement, the minister said: "The patronage of King Salman for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup reflects the significant support and attention our wise leadership gives to the sports sector. It is part of their ongoing commitment to sports and athletes, and their support for Saudi Arabia's hosting of major sporting events, as well as their dedication to strengthening bonds of brotherhood and friendship among the people of the Gulf Cooperation Council states."

The Minister of Sports added: "This tournament is a cherished sporting occasion for the region, given its history and special place in Gulf sports, and the deep fraternal ties it represents. We are pleased to welcome our brothers once again to the Kingdom for a special edition that coincides with Saudi National Day. We are proud to share this celebration with our Gulf neighbors, and look forward to a tournament worthy of its legacy. We wish all participating teams success and hope Gulf fans enjoy exciting matches in Jeddah."

The tournament matches will be held at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums, with comprehensive organizational and operational preparations by the local organizing committee to welcome teams, fans, and media. This includes stadium and facility readiness, match operations, transportation, logistics, and all accompanying services.

Notably, this is the first time the Arabian Gulf Cup will be held in Jeddah. Group A includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait, while Group B features Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen.