Players preparing for training under the supervision of the head coach.

DOHA, Nov 29: Kuwait resumed full-squad training yesterday at Al-Aqla Stadium in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the Arab Cup.

Kuwait is drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. Kuwait will open its campaign against Egypt on Tuesday, face Jordan on December 6, and conclude the group stage against the UAE on December 9. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals.

Following their 2-0 victory over Mauritania in the playoff match, the management granted players a two-day rest. Portuguese coach Helio Sousa addressed the squad before training, urging the team to remain focused, noting that the level of competition in the group stage will be significantly higher. The medical staff has also been ensuring players recover from minor bruises sustained during the Mauritania match.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s under-23 Olympic team is training in Dubai ahead of the Gulf Cup, which Qatar will host from December 4 to 16. The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups: Group A includes Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, while Group B features Iraq, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Olympic team will face Qatar in its opening match next Friday, with the tournament officially kicking off on Thursday with Iraq versus Yemen. All 14 group-stage matches will be held at the Aspire Zone Stadiums, which recently hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025. Fans will have free access to all group-stage matches, providing a great opportunity to watch emerging young talent.

This tournament forms part of Qatar’s packed football calendar this year, which also includes the Arab Cup (December 1–18) and the Club Confederations Cup (December 10, 13, and 17).

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff