Qatar is set to host the second edition of the Gulf Veterans Cup from 30 October to 5 November this year. The tournament, organised by the Gulf Football Association in cooperation with the local organising committee, shows the country's capacity to manage multiple major football events concurrently ahead of hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month.

Tournament Details

Eight Gulf football associations are participating, with the teams divided into two groups. Group A features defending champions Iraq alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Host nation Qatar is placed in Group B with the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen. The fifteen scheduled matches will be played across three stadiums: Al Khor Stadium (Ahmad bin Ali), Al Bayt Stadium (Ahmad bin Khalifa), and Al Thumama Stadium (Saud bin Abdul Rahman).

Match Format

Each match consists of two halves of 20 minutes each, with unlimited substitutions permitted. If a knockout match is level after 40 minutes, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout. The tournament opens on 30 October at Al Khor Stadium with a match between Qatar and Bahrain, while the final is scheduled for 5 November at Al Thumama Stadium.

The Gulf Veterans Cup matches are scheduled during the rest days of the Gulf U-17 Championship 2026, which Qatar is also hosting from 16 October to 4 November. These back-to-back events serve as a precursor to hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, set to be held at the Aspire Zone competition complex from 19 November to 13 December.

Current Team Context

The tournament announcement comes as the Qatari national team maintains a positive run of form. In its last four official matches, the team recorded two consecutive draws followed by two wins, drawing with Saudi Arabia and the UAE before beating Yemen and Bahrain. The senior team's most recent away fixture was a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on 3 October. Qatar now prepares to face Australia on 13 November in its next fixture.

Admission to all Gulf Veterans Cup matches is free, with designated seating available for fans with disabilities. The tournament will feature elite players and legends from the region's past.

First reported at Qatar news agency

The Gulf Football Federation announced the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain will kick off at 5:30 PM on October 30 at Hamad Al Kabeer Stadium. The federation stated the final will be at 7:00 PM on November 5 at Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. This comes as the Qatari national team maintains a positive run of results, last drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia on October 3.