Barran Press - Sports
The Gulf Football Federation announced the draw for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup (Gulf Cup 26) on November 9, 2024. The tournament is set to take place in Kuwait at the end of this year and the beginning of next year.
During the draw ceremony, attended by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Essi, President of the Yemeni Football Association, it was revealed that eight teams would participate, divided into two groups competing for the championship title. Host nation Kuwait leads Group A, joined by the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions. Group B features Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen.
According to the Gulf Football Federation, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, leading to a highly anticipated final featuring the best two teams from the tournament.
Yemen's national team will face Iraq, the champion of the previous edition (Gulf Cup 25), in their opening match on the second day of the tournament at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
In the last edition, Iraq topped Group A, with Oman finishing as runners-up. Bahrain led Group B, followed by Qatar. In the semi-finals, Iraq defeated Qatar 2-1, while Oman won against Bahrain with a narrow 1-0 victory. Iraq then claimed the title, edging out Oman 3-2 in a thrilling final.
Kuwait holds the record for the most Gulf Cup titles, having won the championship 10 times. Iraq follows with four titles, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar each have three. Oman and the UAE have won the tournament twice, and Bahrain secured its sole title in 2019.