Jeddah to Host Khaleeji 27 Gulf Cup in 2026

Jeddah has been confirmed as the first-time host of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, "Khaleeji 27," running from 23 September to 6 October 2026, with all matches held in the city. Eight national teams will take part: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and Yemen.

The 15-match tournament opens on 23 September 2026 with Saudi Arabia facing Kuwait at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City. The venue, known as "The Shining Jewel," holds around 62,000 spectators and will also stage the final on Tuesday 6 October 2026. Matches will also be played at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in southeast Jeddah, which seats about 27,000. The semi-finals are set for Saturday 3 October 2026.

Teams were drawn into four pots based on the FIFA ranking of 1 April 2026. Pot 1 features Qatar and Iraq, Pot 2 Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Pot 3 Oman and Bahrain, and Pot 4 Kuwait and Yemen. Saudi Arabia is seeded at the top of Group A and plays the opening match, while the UAE heads Group B.

The official identity for Khaleeji 27 was launched in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organizing committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with Jeddah's hosting backed by an integrated operational and organizational framework for major international sporting events.

For the community, the tournament brings a two-week football festival to Jeddah, drawing regional visitors and adding to a growing calendar of major events in the Kingdom. Official ticket sales are being offered online ahead of kick-off.

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