Gulf Champions League draw for third edition set for August 24

The Gulf Football Federation has announced that the draw for the third edition of the Gulf Champions League for the 2026-2027 season will take place on August 24. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 13, 2026, and will run until April 30, 2027, featuring 12 clubs representing the federation's member associations.

According to the competition's regulations, the draw will be conducted virtually and will divide the participating teams into three groups of four. The format stipulates that the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be played over two legs.

This third edition is expected to see the largest participation in the league's history, following the decision to increase the number of clubs from eight to twelve. The move reflects the league's growth and the expanding involvement of member associations, aiming to raise the level of competition and enhance the tournament's regional standing.

Saudi Arabia will be represented by Al-Ettifaq and Neom, alongside Al-Nasr and Ajman from the UAE, Al-Duhail and Qatar SC from Qatar, Erbil and Al-Zawraa from Iraq, Al-Shabab from Oman, Al-Riffa from Bahrain, Kazma from Kuwait, and Shabab Hadramout from Yemen.