The draw for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup took place in Kuwait City, with defending champions Qatar being placed in Group A alongside hosts Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The tournament, also known as Khaleeji Zain, will take place from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. All eight Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) member nations will participate, with Group B consisting of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on December 31.
Qatar, winners in 1992, 2004, and 2014, will kick off their campaign against the UAE on December 21 at Jaber International Stadium in Kuwait City. They will then face Oman on December 24 before taking on hosts Kuwait in their final group match on December 27. The head of communications at Qatar Football Association (QFA), Ali Al Salat, expressed excitement for the challenging matches that lie ahead in the tournament, emphasizing the popularity of the Arabian Gulf Cup in the region.
Currently undergoing a training camp with coach Marquez Lopez, Qatar is preparing for their upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match against Uzbekistan in Doha on Thursday. Following this, they will travel to Abu Dhabi to face the UAE on November 19. Kuwait, with ten championship titles, is the most successful team in the history of the Arabian Gulf Cup. Iraq has won the tournament four times, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have claimed the title thrice each. The UAE and Oman have emerged victorious twice, with Bahrain winning the tournament once.
Minister of Sports and Youth H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, who is also the President of AGCFF, attended the draw ceremony along with QFA President Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and officials from the participating countries. The semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup are scheduled for December 31, with the final taking place on January 3, 2025. Qatar is hoping to secure a fourth title in the prestigious tournament and are looking forward to strong competition from other teams. The draws for Group A and Group B have set the stage for exciting matches in December.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is known for its thrilling matches and competitive spirit among the participating teams. QFA’s Head of Communications, Ali Al Salat, highlighted the importance of being well-prepared for the tournament, especially as the teams are currently focused on the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The draw ceremony was praised for its excellent organization, setting the tone for an exciting and highly anticipated competition. With teams gearing up for the challenge ahead, fans can expect intense matches as the quest for the Arabian Gulf Cup begins in December.
