Overview
- The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup runs in Jeddah from Sept. 23 to Oct. 6 with matches at King Abdullah Sports City (Al-Inma) and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal and Saudi’s three group games all scheduled at Al-Inma.
- Coach Georgios Donis announced a refreshed 26-player squad that leaves out several 2026 World Cup regulars, including Salem Al-Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid, while bringing in multiple new call-ups.
- Star midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr was removed from the squad for violating team rules, a disciplinary decision confirmed by federation official Fahad Al-Mufarrij who denied claims the removal was over ordering outside food.
- Saudi face added pressure to perform after a winless group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup and are using the Gulf Cup as both a chance to rebuild and as preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.
- Organizers are proceeding with the tournament despite recent Houthi claims of missile strikes toward Riyadh, a security development that raises risks for fans, teams and event planning.