Jeddah is preparing to welcome the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, Khaleeji 27, with eight national teams set to compete in the tournament from September 23 to October 6, 2026.
The tournament will be staged in Jeddah for the first time in the history of the Gulf Cup, adding another milestone to the competition’s long-standing regional legacy.
The eight participating nations are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen, with the teams divided into two groups following the official draw held in Historic Jeddah in May.
The competition will feature 15 matches, with the tournament’s opening coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s National Day celebrations, creating a particularly significant occasion for the host nation and its football fans.
Saudi Arabia drawn alongside Iraq, Oman and Kuwait
The host nation was placed in Group A alongside Iraq, Oman and Kuwait, while Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Yemen make up Group B.
Saudi Arabia will begin its campaign against Kuwait on September 23, followed by a meeting with Oman on September 26, before facing Iraq on September 29 in its final group-stage fixture. The Saudi team’s group matches are scheduled to take place at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Group B will feature defending champions Bahrain, alongside Qatar, the UAE and Yemen, setting up a group stage featuring a mixture of established Gulf football rivals and highly anticipated regional matchups.
A historic first for Jeddah
Khaleeji 27 marks the first time Jeddah has hosted the Gulf Cup, with the city also playing a central role in the tournament’s official launch and draw ceremony.
The draw was held in Historic Jeddah, linking one of the region’s most important football events with the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The tournament’s official identity was also unveiled ahead of the competition. According to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, its visual concept draws inspiration from the famous rawashin windows of Historic Jeddah, incorporating elements that reflect both the city’s architectural heritage and the Gulf’s maritime character.
The tournament slogan, “Ahlan Bil Khaleej” — “Welcome, Gulf”, was introduced during the draw ceremony, reflecting the host city’s message of hospitality and the longstanding ties shared across the Gulf region.
Two stadiums ready to host the tournament
The competition will be played across two venues in Jeddah: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as Alinma Stadium, and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organizing committee have been working on operational preparations covering the stadiums, match operations, transportation, logistics and services for participating teams, supporters and media representatives.
The tournament comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its role as a host of major sporting events, while the Gulf Cup itself remains one of the region’s most established football competitions.
Saudi Arabia names its 26-player squad
With the tournament now approaching, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced the final 26-player squad for Khaleeji 27.
The squad includes goalkeepers Mohammed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Hamed Youssef, alongside defenders and midfielders including Abdulelah Al-Amri, Hassan Kadesh, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Nawaf Boushal, Musab Al-Juwayr, Mohammed Kanno and Nasser Al-Dawsari.
The attacking options include Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Firas Al-Buraikan and Abdullah Al-Salem, among the 26 players selected for the tournament.
Saudi Arabia will now turn its attention to its three Group A fixtures against Kuwait, Oman and Iraq as it prepares to begin its campaign on home soil.
More than a football tournament
The Gulf Cup has developed into an event that extends beyond competition on the pitch. Over the decades, it has become an important gathering point for Gulf football fans, bringing together national teams and supporters while reflecting the region’s shared sporting history.
Khaleeji 27 will add another chapter to that history, combining the traditional character of the competition with Jeddah’s cultural identity and Saudi Arabia’s growing experience in hosting major sporting events.
As September 23 approaches, attention will turn to Jeddah and the opening match between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as eight Gulf nations prepare to compete across 15 matches for the Khaleeji 27 title.
