Baghdad can host 2028 Gulf Cup if stadiums are upgraded, official says

BAGHDAD — Baghdad has the capacity to host the 28th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2028 but needs a timetable to upgrade stadiums, finish infrastructure projects and coordinate preparations among government and sports bodies, Iraqi Football Association member Ahmed al-Mousawi said.

Hosting the tournament would help promote Baghdad as a sports and tourism destination and build on Iraq’s experience organizing Gulf Cup 25 in Basra, Mousawi told the state-run Iraqi News Agency. “Hosting Gulf Cup 28 in Baghdad will be more than just a sporting tournament. It is an opportunity to show Iraq’s true image, strengthen the capital’s sporting and tourism standing and reinforce the country’s ability to host regional and international sporting events,” he said.

The tournament could also speed up the completion of sports projects and the rehabilitation of stadiums and facilities, leaving “a lasting sporting legacy for the capital and Iraq as a whole,” he said.

“Baghdad has the capacity to host the tournament and reach the required level of readiness, provided the necessary support and coordination among the relevant authorities are available,” Mousawi said, calling for a clear schedule to complete sports facilities and renovate existing stadiums.

Preparations should go beyond the venues, he said. “Successful hosting requires an integrated project that is not limited to stadiums, but includes sports cities, training grounds, hotels, transportation, airports, and service, media and security facilities.”

The immediate priorities are identifying hosting requirements, selecting stadiums and facilities, starting renovation work and completing outstanding projects, he said.

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 in late September. The government and the football association will choose the host city and stadiums. Basra hosted Gulf Cup 25 in 2023, which Iraq won.

Dhi Qar officials said in September that the governorate was ready to host matches, and Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani proposed that one group play in Basra and the other in Nasiriyah. “Dhi Qar governorate, in terms of infrastructure, has completed stadiums and others that are nearing completion, in addition to infrastructure projects that are being worked on,” Dhi Qar Governor Haider Ghani al-Hassanawi said at the time.

Eidani said work had begun to complete the required facilities in Nasiriyah. No host city has been confirmed.