Qatar will begin their campaign at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the tournament taking place from 23 September to 6 October 2026.
The side are targeting a strong run in the competition after failing to secure a place in the second round of the 2026 World Cup finals, a result that disappointed their supporters. Qatar will also be seeking a return to their best form after winning the past two editions of the Asian Cup, in 2019 and 2023.
Gulf Cup 27 format
The tournament features eight teams, divided into four levels under the competition regulations. One team from each level was drawn into each group.
The draw produced two groups of four, with the first round being played as a single round-robin competition. Each team will play three matches against the other sides in its group.
Group A contains Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait. It is regarded as one of the most evenly matched sections of the tournament because of the similar level and experience among the four teams.
Group B consists of United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen. All four teams will be competing for a place in the knockout stage.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The Group A winners will face the Group B runners-up, while the Group B winners will play the runners-up from Group A.
The two semi-final winners will meet in the final to decide the champion of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Qatar fixtures
Qatar are scheduled to play Bahrain on Thursday, 24 September 2026, followed by a meeting with Yemen on Sunday, 27 September. Their final group match is against United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, 30 September.
The published match schedule lists the following results and venues:
– Qatar 0-2 Bahrain Thursday, 24 September 2026, 21:00 Saudi Arabia time and 22:00 United Arab Emirates time, at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City.
– Qatar 0-1 Yemen Sunday, 27 September 2026, 18:55 Saudi Arabia time and 19:55 United Arab Emirates time, at Alinma.
– United Arab Emirates 1-1 Qatar Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 20:30 Saudi Arabia time and 21:30 United Arab Emirates time, at Alinma.
Qatar are listed to face Saudi Arabia or Oman in the semi-final on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
Where to watch
The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup will be broadcast across more than 16 Arabic-language channels.
The main broadcasters include Abu Dhabi Sports, Iraqi Sports, Oman Sports, Bahrain Sports, Dubai Sports, Al Kass and Saudi Sports.
