Arabian Gulf Cup: Edition 27 – What Can We Expect?

After the great success of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, the wait for the next tournament is still quite long. However, fans are eager to learn all the details about the upcoming edition. Read the article below to find out more about this upcoming tournament so you can start betting at Betfinal.

Where Will the Tournament Be Held?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host this special edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. So far, only two teams have qualified: Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, and Bahrain, which secured direct qualification as the defending champion.

Why Is the Tournament Taking Place in September and October Instead of the Usual Dates?

Traditionally, the tournament has been played at the end of the year and the beginning of the new year, typically in December and January. However, since Saudi Arabia is set to host the AFC Asian Cup in early 2027, organisers have adjusted the tournament schedule to take place in September 2026.

How Did Bahrain Win the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup?

Bahrain pulled off a major surprise by winning the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup. The team was not considered a top contender for the title, yet it delivered an outstanding performance. Led by midfield star Mohammed Marhoon, defender Waleed Al-Hayam, and goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfallah, Bahrain defied expectations and secured the championship.

Goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfallah’s Stellar Performance

Bahraini goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfallah stole the spotlight with his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. His impact was just as crucial as that of his teammates, leading his team in the final with composure and confidence.

The Final and a Historic Comeback

Bahrain showcased great character in the final against Oman. Despite trailing from the 17th minute, the team managed a remarkable comeback. Mohammed Marhoon equalised in the 78th minute via a penalty kick, and just two minutes later, Omani player Al-Musalmi scored an own goal, securing Bahrain’s second Gulf Cup title—their first since 2019.

The Controversial Media Incident That Shook the Tournament

A statement that stirred controversy during the tournament came from former Iraqi national team star and current vice president of the Iraqi Football Association, Younis Mahmoud. During a broadcast, he mocked Saudi Arabia’s chances of winning the title, saying, “Saudi Arabia is here for the title?”

Saudi sports media figures were quick to criticize Mahmoud’s remarks, expressing their disapproval of such comments coming from an official representative of Iraq’s Ministry of Sports.

How Did Younis Mahmoud Respond to Saudi Media Criticism?

Captain Younis Mahmoud affirmed that he holds great respect for Saudi Arabia and that his comment was meant as a joke, with no ill intentions toward the Kingdom. He also praised the Saudi national team’s stature in the region.

Additionally, Mahmoud emphasized that Saudi Arabia, as a country, is a red line for all Arab nations. Some Iraqi analysts supported his statement, arguing that his remarks were merely technical criticism, as Saudi Arabia historically has not prioritized winning this tournament in previous editions.

Saudi Arabia’s Revenge on Younis Mahmoud Came on the Field

The Saudi national team got its revenge by eliminating Iraq with a decisive 3-1 victory in the group stage, crushing Iraq’s hopes of advancing to the next round. This defeat was especially bitter for Iraq, as it had already suffered a surprising 2-0 loss to Bahrain in its second match of the tournament.

Al-Bulayhi’s Shocking Statement That Rocked the Tournament

Following Saudi Arabia’s victory over Iraq and their elimination from the tournament, Saudi player Ali Al-Bulayhi made a bold statement directed at Younis Mahmoud. He said:

“My message to Younis Mahmoud: Younis, if you want to talk about Saudi football, you must stand on your feet out of respect for Saudi Arabia before speaking. Secondly, I wish you a safe journey and all the best, God willing. And just so you know, nobody knew who you were until you played in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Bulayhi went even further, promising to send Mahmoud an emblem of the Kingdom to place in his home—so he wouldn’t forget to show respect to Saudi Arabia in the future.

Who Is the Top Contender for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup?

Before discussing potential favourites, it’s important to remember that there is still over a year before the tournament kicks off, and a lot can change by then. However, we can make some early predictions based on what we witnessed in the 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Undoubtedly, the reigning champions, Bahrain, will be one of the main contenders for the title—not just because they lifted the trophy, but because of the way they won it. Their performance, tactical discipline, and resilience, especially in the final, make them strong candidates.

Another key factor to consider is the AFC Asian Cup, which will take place just three months after the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup. Some teams may approach the Gulf tournament with less intensity, prioritising their preparations for the bigger continental competition. We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold.