Qatar host U-17 Gulf Cup, open against China

Qatar hosts the second edition of the U-17 Gulf Cup, opening their campaign against China in Group 1, while Saudi Arabia defends the title in Group 2.

Qatar's U-17 national team is set to host the Gulf Cup, with the tournament kicking off on Friday. The hosts will face China in the opening match at Hamad Stadium in Doha.

The competition, named 'Qatar 2026', features ten nations playing 23 matches until the final on November 4. Qatar tops Group 1, which also includes the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and guest nation China. In Group 2, defending champions Saudi Arabia lead a group containing Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, and guest nation Egypt.

This youth tournament comes as the senior national team maintains an unbeaten run of four matches, most recently drawing with Saudi Arabia on October 3. The full list of recent results is available.

The final and semi-final matches will proceed directly to penalties if tied after regular time. The senior team's next fixture is against Australia on November 13, with the upcoming fixtures schedule online.

First reported at Not answerable

Update, 17 Oct 2026

Qatar's under-17 team lost 2-0 to China in the opening match of the Gulf Cup, the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation announced. Pangkexian Yuan and Liu Youbang scored for China in the 4th and 37th minutes at Hamad Grand Stadium in Doha on Friday. This comes as the senior national team remains unbeaten in its last four matches, most recently drawing with Saudi Arabia on October 3.