Doha, Qatar: Hosts Qatar have been drawn in Group A alongside the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and China for the second U-17 Gulf Cup, which will be held in Qatar from October 16 to November 4, 2026.
The official draw, conducted by the Gulf Football Federation, has placed 10 teams in the tournament, making this the biggest edition in the competition’s history.
Group B features reigning champions Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen and Egypt.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be played in a knockout format.
Each group winner will face the runner-up from the other group.
There will be no extra time in the knockout rounds, with any semi-final or final level at full-time going straight to penalties.
Organised by the Local Organising Committee in Qatar in close collaboration with the Gulf Football Federation, the tournament brings together all eight member associations - the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and Yemen - alongside Egypt and China.
The expanded line-up is expected to provide strong competition and valuable preparation for teams qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
The U-17 Gulf Cup has also emerged as an important platform for the region’s promising young players.
The inaugural edition in 2025 saw Saudi Arabia crowned champions at Grand Hamad Stadium after defeating the UAE 2-0 in the final.
