Kuwait ready for all-Arab test at 2027 AFC Asian Cup

A file photo of Kuwait and Oman players battling for the ball.

DIRIYAH, May 10: Kuwait is drawn in Group A of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Palestine following the official draw ceremony held at the historic Salwa Palace in Diriyah.

Kuwait will open its campaign against Oman on January 8, 2027, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh before facing Palestine four days later at Kingdom Arena. Kuwait will then conclude the group stage against Saudi Arabia on January 17 in Jeddah.

Kuwait previously met Oman and Palestine during the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the clash with Oman also revives memories of Kuwait’s final group-stage match at the 2015 Asian Cup. Kuwait, champion in 1980, is returning to the continental tournament after missing the 2019 and 2023 editions.

Kuwait coach Helio Sousa attended the draw alongside development director Mohammed Al-Failakawi and national teams’ director Saud Al-Mujamed.

Sousa described the group as “balanced,” noting that the competing teams are closely matched in quality. He stressed that every match will be difficult, but said Kuwait’s objective remains reaching the knockout rounds.

“The matches will be very tough, but we will enter with the ambition of qualifying for the next stage,” Sousa said after the draw, adding that the national team still has time to continue improving ahead of the tournament.

He also pointed out that facing teams from different parts of Asia creates a unique challenge, while emphasizing that all sides in the group have equal chances.

Oman coach Tarik Sektioui warned that Group A would be highly competitive and stressed the importance of hard work both on and off the pitch. Palestine coach Ehab Abu Jazar said the presence of four Arab nations, all familiar with one another, makes the group especially unpredictable.

For the first time, Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup and will look to lift the trophy on home soil after winning previous titles in 1984, 1988, and 1996.

Elsewhere, defending champion Qatar was drawn with Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia in Group F. Jordan landed in Group B alongside Bahrain, Uzbekistan, and North Korea, while Iraq is grouped with Australia, Tajikistan, and Singapore. Syria will face Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and China in Group C, while the United Arab Emirates was drawn with South Korea, Vietnam, and either Lebanon or Yemen in Group E.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff