Officially, the Saudi national team will be the first top seed in Group One of the Gulf Cup 27, awaiting its fate after the draw today, Tuesday, in Jeddah, which could pit it against the strongest competitors from the first tier, such as the defending champion Qatar or Iraq.

Fans of Gulf football are eagerly anticipating the decisive moment at the Al-Thaqafa Square in historic Jeddah, where the fate of the eight participating teams in the tournament, which runs from September 23 to October 6, will be determined. The ceremony features high-level sports figures, including the head of the Gulf Cup Federation, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, and the head of the Saudi Federation, Yasser Al-Mishal, along with representatives of the teams and regional legends.

The Gulf Federation decided to divide the teams into four tiers based on the FIFA rankings for April, meaning the draw mechanism will ensure that no two teams from the same tier fall into one group. The distribution is as follows:

  • First tier: Qatar (rank 55), Iraq (57).
  • Second tier: Saudi Arabia (61), UAE (68).
  • Third tier: Oman (79), Bahrain (91).
  • Fourth tier: Kuwait (134), Yemen (149).

The teams will be distributed into two groups, with the top team and runner-up from each advancing to the semi-finals. Jeddah is preparing to host the matches at the Al-Inma Stadium and the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City.

The participating federations confirm the attendance of their official delegations, including directors and coaches, at the draw ceremony. The kingdom is set to host the tournament for the fifth time in its history, following the editions of 1972, 1988, 2002, and 2014.

Al-Thaqafa Square

Al-Thaqafa Square, meaning „Culture Square,“ is a prominent landmark in the city of Mosul, Iraq. Historically, it served as a central gathering place for cultural and civic events, but it gained international attention in 2017 when it became the site where Iraqi forces declared victory over ISIS, marking the liberation of Mosul. Today, the square stands as a symbol of resilience and the city’s enduring cultural spirit.

Jeddah

Jeddah is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a key gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its history dates back to the 7th century, when it was established as a vital trading hub and later flourished under Ottoman rule, leaving a legacy of distinctive coral-stone architecture in its historic district, Al-Balad. Today, Jeddah blends its rich cultural heritage with modern development, known for its vibrant waterfront and diverse population.

Al-Inma Stadium

Al-Inma Stadium, located in Saudi Arabia, is a modern multi-purpose sports venue primarily used for football matches. It serves as the home ground for the Al-Qadsiah football club and has hosted various domestic competitions since its opening. The stadium reflects the country’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure as part of its broader Vision 2030 initiative to enhance recreational and athletic facilities.

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City

Jeddah

Jeddah is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a key gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its history dates back to pre-Islamic times, but it rose to prominence after the 7th century as a vital trading hub and entry point for Muslim pilgrims. The city’s historic district, Al-Balad, features traditional coral-stone buildings and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Al-Thaqafa Square

Al-Thaqafa Square, located in the center of Mosul, Iraq, is a prominent cultural landmark whose name translates to „Culture Square.“ Historically, it served as a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and activists, symbolizing the city’s vibrant cultural life before suffering significant damage during the conflict with ISIS. Following the city’s liberation, restoration efforts have aimed to revive the square as a symbol of resilience and cultural rebirth in post-war Mosul.

Al-Inma Stadium

Al-Inma Stadium, also known as Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Originally opened in 1972, it has served as a key site for football matches and other events, hosting local clubs like Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. The stadium has undergone renovations over the years to modernize its facilities and increase its capacity, reflecting the region’s investment in sports infrastructure.

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City is a major multi-purpose sports complex located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was inaugurated in 1973 and named after Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal, a former Saudi minister and sports patron. The venue has hosted numerous international football matches and athletic events, serving as a key hub for sports and entertainment in the region.