Iraq target Arabian Gulf Cup 27 revival in Saudi Arabia

Iraq will return to the Arabian Gulf Cup for the 27th edition of the tournament, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from 23 September to 6 October 2026.

The Iraq national team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, have been drawn in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. The group is regarded as one of the strongest in the competition because of the similar levels and experience of the four teams.

Iraq will begin its campaign against Oman on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, before facing Kuwait on Saturday, 26 September and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 29 September.

The team hopes to challenge for the title and use the tournament to restore confidence among its supporters after failing to reach the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Iraq are seeking a strong regional campaign and an opportunity to add another trophy to their record.

The opening match against Oman ended 1-1 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. Iraq’s remaining group fixtures are scheduled as follows:

| Match | Date | Kick-off | Stadium | ||||| | Iraq v Oman | Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | 17:30 Saudi Arabia, 18:30 UAE | Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal | | Iraq v Kuwait | Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 18:55 Saudi Arabia, 19:55 UAE | Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal | | Saudi Arabia v Iraq | Tuesday, 29 September 2026 | 20:30 Saudi Arabia, 21:30 UAE | Alinma |

Tournament format

The Arabian Gulf Cup 27 features eight teams, arranged into two groups of four after being drawn from four seeding levels, with one team from each level placed in every group.

The first phase is played as a single round-robin competition, meaning each side plays three matches. Group A consists of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait.

Group B contains United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen. The teams in both groups are competing for a place in the knockout stages.

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

The two semi-final winners then meet in the final to decide the champions of the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Where to watch

The tournament will be broadcast on more than 16 Arabic channels. The principal broadcasters include Abu Dhabi Sports, Iraqi Sports, Oman Sports, Bahrain Sports, Dubai Sports, Al Kass and Saudi Sports.

Iraq’s group contains Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman, with the team aiming to turn its participation into a renewed challenge for regional honours.