Saudi Arabia target Gulf Cup glory as Donis addresses pressure and Al-Juwair absence

Saudi Arabia begin their Gulf Cup 27 campaign against Kuwait at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on the country’s National Day, with manager Georgios Donis insisting the hosts are aiming to win the tournament rather than simply prepare for future competitions.

The hosts are in Group A with Kuwait, Iraq and Oman, three sides with World Cup experience. The top two teams reach the semi-finals, with the Group A winners facing the Group B runners-up and vice versa. The final is scheduled for 6 October 2026.

“This is a different competition and our target is to win it,” Donis said. “We want to develop, play better and represent Saudi Arabia in the best way to make our supporters happy. We invite them to support us and give us more confidence.”

Saudi Arabia have not won the Gulf Cup for 23 years, but Donis said the team could use the tournament to improve while competing for the trophy. He also acknowledged that the absence of Musab Al-Juwayr had affected his plans.

“If we had won, and if what happened with Musab Al-Juwayr had not happened, things would have been better,” he said. “It gives us some negative energy, but we have quality and most of the players have good experience. We want to celebrate National Day, show our passion and play well.”

Donis said the pressure of hosting the competition in Jeddah was normal and should not alter the team’s approach.

“Playing football without pressure would be unnatural,” he said. “What matters is controlling it properly without losing our way or our style. We have experience and youth, and our players must communicate well. Three teams in our group have played at the World Cup, which says a lot about the quality.”

The Greek coach rejected comparisons between Al-Juwayr and Mukhtar Ali, saying they operate in different areas and offer contrasting qualities.

“Mukhtar can give us something in midfield, while Musab gave us something else,” he said. “We know Musab’s absence is significant, but we must remain stable even when things happen that distract us.”

Donis also said Saudi Arabia had worked hard but made poor decisions at the World Cup, adding: “The important thing is to keep our confidence and control of the match.”

He acknowledged the Saudi Pro League had improved substantially through the arrival of many high-profile players, but warned that a strong domestic competition did not automatically produce a strong national team.

“We benefit from having a better personality, and we want to play to better standards,” he said. “The negative side is that we sometimes lack playing time. Most goalkeepers, for example, are foreign.”

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais described the match as a Gulf derby and urged respect for Kuwait’s history in the competition.

“We want the points and a winning start,” he said. “This tournament is a challenge and a motivation, not pressure. We want to win the Gulf Cup and the Asian Cup.”