The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation announced on September 28, 2026, that Iraq will host the 28th edition of the Gulf Cup, also known as "Khaleeji 28". The announcement was made through the federation's official social media account, accompanied by an image with the phrase "Iraq is preparing to receive Khaleeji 28". This decision comes as the 27th edition of the tournament is currently underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Iraqi national team has a rich history in the Gulf Cup, having won four titles, with the most recent one being in 2023 when they hosted the 25th edition in Basra. During that tournament, Iraq won the title by defeating Oman 3-2 in the final match. The upcoming tournament, set to take place in December 2028, marks Iraq's third time hosting the event, following previous hosting duties in 1979 and 2023.
The Gulf Cup is a prestigious regional football tournament that brings together teams from the Arab Gulf countries. The competition has a long history, with the first edition taking place in 1979. Since then, the tournament has been held biennially, with the exception of a few instances. Iraq's selection as the host nation for the 28th edition is seen as a significant development, given the country's passion for football and its rich sporting history.
The 28th Gulf Cup is expected to feature top teams from the region, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, among others. The tournament will provide a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted title. As the host nation, Iraq will look to make a strong impression and potentially defend its title.
Iraq's hosting of the Gulf Cup is also seen as an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its capabilities in organizing major sporting events. The country has invested heavily in sports infrastructure in recent years, with several modern stadiums and training facilities being built or renovated.
The announcement of Iraq as the host nation for the 28th Gulf Cup has been met with enthusiasm from football fans across the region. The tournament is expected to attract significant attention and interest, with many fans eagerly anticipating the competition.
With the 28th Gulf Cup set to take place in December 2028, football fans in Iraq and across the region will have to wait for nearly two years for the tournament to get underway. However, the announcement has already generated significant excitement and anticipation, with many looking forward to the competition.
Key points
- Iraq to host 28th Gulf Cup in December 2028.
- This will be Iraq's third time hosting the tournament.
- The Iraqi national team has won four Gulf Cup titles, including the most recent one in 2023.
