Kuwait steps up preparations for Gulf Cup opener

20/09/2026

JEDDAH, Sept. 20: Kuwait national team continued preparations in Jeddah on Monday, holding a training session at the auxiliary field of King Abdullah International Stadium ahead of their Gulf Cup 27 opener against host Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Kuwait is in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman. It will face Iraq on Sept. 26 before completing the group stage against Oman on Sept. 29.

Group B comprises Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Yemen. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals on Oct. 3, with the final set for Oct. 6.

Kuwait coach Hélio Sousa is focusing on getting his squad fully prepared for the opener while assessing the players in the best physical condition. Sousa watched most of the squad in Friday’s friendly against Yemen and was satisfied with their fitness levels.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has excluded Al-Qadsiah midfielder Musab Al-Juwair from its camp for disciplinary reasons. The Saudi Football Federation announced the decision without providing further details.

Al-Ittihad midfielder Mukhtar Ali was subsequently called up to replace Al-Juwair. Greek coach Georgios Donis made the change as the hosts continue preparations for the tournament.

Iraq has also made a change to its squad, calling up Hassan Abdulkarim to replace Bassam Shakir. The Iraqi Football Association said a medical examination showed Shakir was suffering from fatigue and physical discomfort.

Oman, meanwhile, welcomed Mohsen Al-Ghassani of Bangkok United and Issam Al-Sabhi of Port FC to camp on Monday. Coach Tarik Sektioui gave the two players a rest after their arrival, with both expected to join training today.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff