Iraq to host Gulf Cup 28 in December 2028

BAGHDAD — Iraq will host the 28th Arabian Gulf Cup from Dec. 9 to 22, 2028, and the Gulf Olympic Teams Championship in Basra from March 21 to April 3, 2027, the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation said.

The federation’s executive committee approved both bids, said Sarmad Abdulilah, first vice president of the Iraqi Football Association and a committee member. The government and the football association will choose the host city and stadiums for the Gulf Cup.

“We congratulate our sports fans on Iraq hosting the upcoming Arabian Gulf Cup, Gulf Cup 28, and we thank our brothers in the Gulf Cup federation for their confidence,” said former football association president Adnan Darjal, hoping for “a tournament befitting Iraq’s history and sporting standing” and a repeat of the celebrations when Basra hosted Gulf Cup 25 in 2023, which Iraq won.

Iraq plays Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday needing a draw to reach this year’s semifinals.