The Gulf Football Association has confirmed that Iraq will host the 28th edition of the Gulf Cup in 2026. This announcement was made on September 28, 2026, and it marks a significant milestone for Iraqi football. The country previously hosted the 25th edition of the tournament in January 2023, where they emerged as champions after defeating Oman in the final.
The decision to award Iraq the hosting rights was made during a meeting of the Gulf Football Association's executive committee, which took place on the sidelines of the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The tournament in Jeddah featured eight participating teams and has seen intense competition so far. Iraq's successful bid to host the 2026 edition is seen as a testament to the country's footballing capabilities and infrastructure.
According to Sarmed Abdul Ilah, the deputy president of the Iraqi Football Association, the country is excited about the opportunity to host the 2026 Gulf Cup. He expressed confidence that Iraq will deliver a memorable tournament, building on the success of the 2023 edition. The Iraqi Football Association has pledged to fulfill all the necessary requirements and organizational procedures to ensure a smooth and successful event.
The 28th Gulf Cup is scheduled to take place in December 2026. Although the specific host city has not been announced, the Iraqi Football Association has committed to informing the Gulf Football Association of the chosen city within a specified timeframe. This will enable the necessary preparations and arrangements to be made for the tournament.
The Gulf Cup is a prestigious regional football tournament that brings together teams from the Gulf region. The competition has a rich history, and Iraq's hosting of the 2026 edition is expected to further boost the country's footballing profile. The tournament will feature top players from the region and is likely to attract significant attention from football fans and sponsors alike.
Key points of the announcement include Iraq's successful bid to host the 2026 Gulf Cup, the country's previous experience in hosting the 2023 edition, and the commitment to fulfilling all necessary requirements for a successful tournament. The event is expected to promote football in the region and provide a platform for teams to compete at the highest level.
The confirmation of Iraq as the host of the 2026 Gulf Cup has been well-received by football fans and officials in the region. The tournament is expected to contribute to the growth and development of football in Iraq and the wider Gulf region. With the 2026 edition just around the corner, attention is already turning to the preparations and what promises to be an exciting competition.
Key points
- Iraq will host the 28th Gulf Cup in December 2026.
- The country previously hosted the 25th edition of the tournament in January 2023.
- The Gulf Football Association confirmed Iraq's hosting rights during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
