Saudi Arabia is set to host the Arabian Gulf Cup amid regional tensions and a desire to recover from a lackluster World Cup performance. The tournament, featuring eight teams, begins Wednesday, with Yemen facing the UAE in Jeddah. This comes shortly after Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted Riyadh with missiles, marking a new phase in the conflict involving Iran. Saudi Arabia, under coach Giorgios Donis, aims to improve after a disappointing World Cup exit. The team faces additional challenges, including the recent exclusion of star midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr for disciplinary reasons. In Group A, Saudi Arabia plays Kuwait, while Iraq, led by coach Graham Arnold, faces Oman. Group B sees Qatar, also seeking redemption after a winless World Cup, against defending champion Bahrain. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for October 6 in Jeddah. This tournament also serves as preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.
QUESTION: How might hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup impact Saudi Arabia’s international image amid ongoing regional conflicts?
Amid backdrop of Middle East war, soccer’s 8-country Arabian Gulf Cup starts Wednesday
