The Saudi Arabian Football Federation officially announced that Jeddah (the Bride of the Red Sea) has been chosen to host the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Gulf Cup 27). The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 6, 2026, a move that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's high level of preparedness to host major regional and international sporting events.
World-class stadiums and exceptional facilities
According to the official announcement, Jeddah will host the tournament matches at two world-class stadiums: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (also known as the Jewel Stadium or Al-Inma Stadium) and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. These facilities are among the most prominent sporting venues in the region, guaranteeing a unique experience for the participating teams and the Gulf fans who will flock to support their clubs.
Significance of timing and national dimension
The choice of September 23rd as the tournament's opening date carries profound national significance, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's National Day celebrations. The tournament is expected to have a dual celebratory character, combining fair competition with national pride, generating significant public and media attention from its very first day.
A rich history and a promising future
The Arabian Gulf Cup is one of the oldest tournaments in the Middle East, having been held since 1970. It has since served as a platform to strengthen fraternal ties among the peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Saudi Arabia has a rich history of hosting this tournament, having successfully organized it on three previous occasions (1988, 2002, and 2014) in the capital, Riyadh. Jeddah's hosting of the 2026 edition further confirms this legacy.
Vision 2030 and Sports Leadership
Hosting the 27th Gulf Cup comes as part of the Kingdom's ambitious strategy within Vision 2030, which aims to transform the sports sector into a significant economic and tourism driver. The Kingdom is experiencing unprecedented sporting activity, having successfully hosted major international events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and won the bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, culminating in its candidacy to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Gulf Cup serves as an important test of the operational and logistical readiness of Saudi facilities in preparation for upcoming continental and global events.
Official praise and expectations for a historic edition
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, praised the Kingdom's immense potential, affirming that the upcoming edition promises an exceptional tournament befitting the stature of Gulf football. For his part, Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed the Kingdom's pride in once again hosting its Gulf brothers, emphasizing that work will continue with the generous support of the wise leadership and the Ministry of Sports' oversight to deliver a historic edition worthy of the Kingdom's name and the tournament's prestige.
