Kuwait target Gulf Cup revival as Saudi Arabia hosts Gulf 27

Kuwait will begin its campaign at Gulf Cup 27 in Saudi Arabia on 23 September, hoping to recover from the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup and revive its status as the tournament’s record winner.

The competition will run until 6 October, with the “Blue” seeking a strong challenge for the title and a return to the podium. Kuwait have won the Gulf Cup 10 times, more than any other team, with their triumphs coming in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 1998 and 2010.

The team is in Group A alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman. The group is regarded as one of the strongest in the tournament because of the closely matched levels and experience of its four sides.

Kuwait’s campaign follows a difficult period after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They will now aim to use Gulf 27 to restore confidence, challenge for regional honours and add another trophy to their record.

How Gulf Cup 27 will be played

Eight teams are taking part in the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup. Under the tournament regulations, they were divided into four levels, with one team from each level drawn into every group.

The draw produced two groups of four. The first round will be played as a single round-robin, meaning each team will have three group matches.

Group A contains Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait. Group B is made up of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals. The winners of Group A will face the runners-up in Group B, while the winners of Group B will play the runners-up in Group A.

The two semi-final winners will meet in the final to decide the champions of Gulf Cup 27.

Kuwait fixtures and broadcast channels

Kuwait’s group-stage schedule lists three matches: against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 23 September 2026; Iraq on Saturday, 26 September 2026; and Kuwait on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

The opening fixture against Saudi Arabia is scheduled for 20:30 Saudi Arabia time and 21:30 United Arab Emirates time at King Abdullah Sports City. The match is recorded as a 1-0 win for Kuwait.

The second fixture, listed as Kuwait against Iraq, is set for 22:00 Saudi Arabia time and 23:00 United Arab Emirates time on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City.

The third listed match, Kuwait against Kuwait, is scheduled for 23:30 Saudi Arabia time and 00:30 United Arab Emirates time on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, also at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City.

Gulf Cup 27 will be shown across more than 16 Arab channels. The main broadcasters listed are Abu Dhabi Sports, Iraqi Sports, Oman Sports, Bahrain Sports, Dubai Sports, Al Kass and Saudi Sports.

The draw places Kuwait in Group A with Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Oman, but no completed standings table is provided.