Egypt Under-17s break new ground with Gulf Arab Cup triumph

Egypt Under-17s have become the first non-Gulf side to win the Gulf Arab Under-17 Cup after beating United Arab Emirates 3-1 in the final in Qatar.

The result secured the title at the 14th edition of the tournament and marked the first time in the competition’s history that a guest nation has lifted the trophy.

Qatar hosted the event from 17 October, with 10 teams taking part. Eight were Gulf nations, while Egypt and China entered as guest sides.

Egypt made a strong impression throughout the competition, winning all of their group-stage matches before producing another convincing performance in the semi-final, where they defeated China 4-0.

Their victory also ended the previous pattern of Gulf dominance. In the 13 editions held before this year’s tournament, Saudi Arabia had won the title six times, United Arab Emirates had claimed it on four occasions and Oman had lifted the trophy three times.

The achievement comes as Egypt Under-17s prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Qatar will host from 19 November 2026 to 13 December.

Egypt have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Panama and Greece Under-17s.

The Gulf Arab Under-17 Cup was Egypt’s latest competitive test before their World Cup campaign, with the team completing the tournament unbeaten and scoring heavily in the knockout stages.