Kuwait to open Asian Cup campaign against Oman

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

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 26: Kuwait will launch its 2027 AFC Asian Cup campaign against Oman on January 8 in Saudi Arabia, before taking on Palestine on January 12 and host Saudi Arabia on January 17 in Group A.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the tournament schedule and venues on Monday, confirming that Saudi Arabia will face Palestine in the opening match on January 7.

The continental competition will run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, featuring 24 teams and 51 matches across eight stadiums in three cities. Riyadh will host five venues, while Jeddah will have two and Al-Khobar one.

King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh has been selected to host both the opening match and the final.

The group stage will conclude on January 20, with the knockout rounds beginning on January 22 ahead of the final on February 5.

Kuwait will aim to begin its campaign on a positive note against Oman in a challenging group that also includes Saudi Arabia and Palestine. The Blue will be seeking to secure one of the two automatic qualification spots from Group A and advance to the knockout stage.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff