Qatar’s Gulf Cup 27 campaign: fixtures, group format and TV channels

Qatar will face Bahrain, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates in Group B at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from 23 September to 6 October 2026.

The tournament gives Qatar an opportunity to challenge for another major regional title after the disappointment of failing to reach the second round of the 2026 World Cup. Qatar have also won the last two editions of the Asian Cup, in 2019 and 2023, and will be aiming to return to their best form in the Gulf Cup.

How the tournament works

The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup features eight teams, divided into two groups of four. The draw was conducted using four seeding levels, with one team from each level assigned to every group.

The opening phase is played as a single round-robin competition, meaning each side plays three matches against the other teams in its group.

Group A contains hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait. The section is regarded as one of the most closely contested in the tournament because of the similar levels of experience and ability among the four teams.

Group B consists of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen, with all four sides competing for a place in the knockout stage.

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

The two semi-final winners then progress to the final, which will decide the champions of the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Qatar fixtures

Qatar’s group-stage schedule includes matches against Bahrain on Thursday, 24 September 2026, Yemen on Sunday, 27 September 2026, and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

The listed results and venues are:

– Qatar 0-2 Bahrain Thursday, 24 September 2026, 21:00 Saudi Arabia time and 22:00 United Arab Emirates time, Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City. – Qatar 0-1 Yemen Sunday, 27 September 2026, 18:55 Saudi Arabia time and 19:55 United Arab Emirates time, Alinma. – United Arab Emirates 1-1 Qatar Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 20:30 Saudi Arabia time and 21:30 United Arab Emirates time, Alinma.

Qatar are also listed to play Saudi Arabia or Oman in the semi-final on Saturday, 3 October 2026, depending on the final group standings.

Where to watch

The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup will be broadcast across more than 16 Arab television channels.

The principal broadcasters include Abu Dhabi Sports, Iraqi Sports, Oman Sports, Bahrain Sports, Dubai Sports, Al Kass and Saudi Sports.