Qatar Set to Host Expanded U-17 Gulf Cup with Ten Teams

Tournament Overview

Qatar will host the second edition of the U-17 Gulf Cup in 2026, with ten national youth teams set to compete across twenty‑three matches from 16 October to 4 November. The tournament, organised by Qatar’s Local Organising Committee together with the Gulf Football Federation, continues the Gulf’s tradition of using youth competitions to strengthen football ties across the region.

Groups and Opening Fixtures

The official draw held in September placed the teams into two groups of five. Hosts Qatar were drawn in Group A alongside the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and guest side China, while defending champions Saudi Arabia were placed in Group B with Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait and another guest team, Egypt.

The opening match will see Qatar face China at Grand Hamad Stadium on Friday, with kick‑off at 17:45 Doha time. Later the same day, the United Arab Emirates will meet Bahrain at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, kick‑off at 20:00.

Defending champions Saudi Arabia begin their campaign on Saturday 17 October against Egypt at Grand Hamad Stadium, also at 17:45, while Iraq will take on Yemen at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, kick‑off at 20:00.

Conclusion and Regulations

The tournament will conclude on 4 November with the final at Grand Hamad Stadium, kick‑off at 17:45. According to the competition regulations, any semi‑final or final match that remains level after normal time will proceed directly to a penalty shoot‑out.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Tickets are priced at QAR 15 and can be purchased through the website roadtoqatar.qa. Accessibility tickets for disabled fans and guests with limited mobility are available on request by emailing [email protected].

Media Coverage

For all tournament updates, followers can check @roadtoqatar on the major social‑media platforms, @gffofficial on Instagram and @AGCFF on X.