Bahrain launches Gulf Cup title defense against Qatar

A file photo of Bahrain celebrating with championship trophy.

JEDDAH, Sept. 23: Defending champion Bahrain launches its Gulf Cup 27 title defense against Qatar at 9 p.m. today at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah in the opening round of Group B.

Bahrain is targeting a third Gulf Cup crown after winning the previous edition and the 2019 tournament. Croatian coach Dragan Talajic will count on several key players from the title-winning squad, including goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfalla, Waleed Al-Hayam, Mahdi Humaidan, Kamil Al-Aswad and Mahdi Abduljabbar.

Bahrain and Qatar have faced each other 19 times in Gulf Cup history, with both teams recording five wins and nine encounters ending in draws. Qatar has scored 16 goals in those meetings, compared with Bahrain's 12.

Qatar is looking for a strong start as they attempt to end an 11-year wait for the Gulf Cup. Their last title came in 2014, while a fourth championship remains the target.

Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has retained the core of the squad that featured in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and finals, providing Qatar with a group of experienced players as they begin their Gulf Cup campaign.

The UAE will seek a winning start to Gulf Cup 27 when it faces Yemen at 6:55 p.m. today at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the opening round of Group B.

Under Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic, the UAE is determined to avoid another early exit after being eliminated in the group stage of the previous edition.

Dalic has named a 26-player squad led by goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, with experienced players Fabio Lima and Nicolas Gimenez among the key figures. The attack includes Sultan Adil, Othman Kamara and Ali Saleh.

The UAE has played 117 Gulf Cup matches, recording 41 wins, 31 draws, and 42 defeats, scoring 122 goals and conceding 143.

Yemen has made 36 tournament appearances, winning once, drawing six, and losing 29. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 89.

The UAE has dominated its four previous Gulf Cup meetings with Yemen, winning all four and scoring 11 goals while conceding two.

Yemen, coached by Algerian Noureddine Ould Ali, arrives with renewed confidence after securing qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup. It is targeting its first semifinal appearance in Gulf Cup history.

Yemen prepared in Doha, where it defeated Kuwait 2-1 in a friendly, and will look to carry that momentum into its tournament opener.