Riyadh lands rip-roaring Gulf Cup 27

Article posted by Coliseum, January 24^th, 2025

Image: AGCFF

The General Assembly of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation announced recently that Saudi Arabia will host the 27^th edition of the Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

‘zawya.com’ stated that the tournament is scheduled to take place from September 23^rd-October 6^th, 2026.

The Gulf Cup is a celebrated football competition that draws widespread attention from the Gulf and Arab audiences.

The decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights was made unanimously during the General Assembly meeting held in Kuwait City, Kuwait, recently.

Doha (Qatar)-based the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) is an independent regional football body for eight member countries. It was established in May 2016 and its main competition is the Arabian Gulf Cup.

The Arabian Gulf Cup, often referred to simply as the Gulf Cup, is a biennial association football competition governed by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) for its eight member nations.

‘zawya.com’ further stated that the above meeting was attended by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al-Misehal, Secretary-General Ibrahim Al-Qassim and Board Member Mu’id Al-Shehri.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)-based the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is the football governing body of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1956, its responsibilities include administration of the club competitions and the national teams.

This will mark the fifth time Riyadh has hosted the Gulf Cup following previous editions in 1972, 1988, 2002, and 2014.

Saudi Arabia’s selection underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to hosting major regional and international sports events.

Yasser Al-Misehal expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their generous and unlimited support of sports, particularly football, which he credited as a key factor in securing hosting rights for Gulf Cup 27 – “I extend my deepest thanks to our leadership for their unwavering support which has enabled Saudi Arabia to host this tournament.”

He also praised the efforts of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (the National Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee representing Saudi Arabia), for his continuous support in ensuring the success of the Kingdom’s sporting endeavors.

Al-Misehal thanked Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, President of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), and the members of the General Assembly for their trust in Saudi Arabia to host this important event.

He emphasized the Gulf Cup’s role in fostering unity and brotherhood among the Gulf nations and the significance it holds for the fans across the region.

Added Al-Misehal, “We warmly welcome the Gulf football fans to Saudi Arabia for another edition of this historic tournament. Hosting Khaleeji 27 continues Saudi Arabia’s tradition of successfully organizing major sporting events.”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue