JEDDAH: The Saudi national football team began its campaign in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait on Thursday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah in the opening round of Group A.
The only goal came in the 73rd minute when Kuwait’s Yousef Al-Haqan inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
With the victory, Saudi Arabia moved to three points at the top of Group A, while Kuwait remained without a point, pending the completion of the opening round, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on his behalf, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz attended the opening ceremony of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, heads and representatives of sports federations from the Arab Gulf states, and several officials, SPA reported.
Prince Abdulaziz, who is also President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generous patronage of the championship.
In a press statement, he said: “The patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the championship reflects the special place this Gulf gathering holds for the leadership of this country, as well as the championship’s rich sporting legacy, which over the decades has contributed to bringing brothers together and strengthening ties among the peoples of the region.”
“Today, we are delighted to see the launch of the 27th edition of the championship in the city of Jeddah, in a manner befitting the status of this prestigious cup and its enduring value in Gulf sports. We once again welcome our brothers to their second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and wish all the participating national teams success,” the sport minister said.
The championship is being held from September 23 to October 6, 2026, with eight national teams competing in 15 matches. Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait, while Group B comprises Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Yemen.
