Doha to host the Gulf Cup for veteran players

The Gulf Football Federation, in cooperation with the local organizing committee in Qatar, announced the second edition of the Gulf Cup for veteran players, to be held from October 30 to November 5. The tournament will feature the eight Gulf national teams, bringing together a selection of the most prominent stars and legends of Gulf football and reviving significant moments in the history of the game in the region. The tournament will consist of 15 matches played across three stadiums: Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, and Saud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium. It offers fans another opportunity to see some of the players who have left their mark on Gulf football. The draw placed Iraq, the defending champions, in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Group B includes Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen, setting up a series of anticipated Gulf clashes in the group stage before the knockout rounds. Qatar will begin their campaign against Bahrain in the opening match, scheduled for October 30 at 5:30 PM at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. The tournament concludes on Thursday, November 5th, with the final match at 7:00 PM at the Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, crowning the champion of the second edition of the competition. Matches are played in two 20-minute halves, with unlimited substitutions allowed, in keeping with the nature of this competition for veteran players. If any knockout match ends in a draw after the 40-minute period, penalty kicks will be used immediately to determine the winner, without extra time. The Gulf Cup for veteran players is being held during rest days of the 2026 Gulf Cup U-17 tournament, currently being hosted in Doha. This demonstrates Qatar's ability to host and organize multiple football events simultaneously and provide a comprehensive organizational environment for regional and international tournaments. The football season in Qatar is packed with important events, most notably the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 13 at the Aspire Zone Sports Complex. This tournament further cements Doha's position on the map of major sporting events. To ensure accessibility for the largest possible number of fans, entry to matches will be free, with designated seating areas for fans with disabilities, enhancing the overall atmosphere and guaranteeing a comfortable viewing experience for everyone. The second edition of the Gulf Cup for veteran players is also expected to draw significant public attention, given the participation of all eight Gulf national teams. The tournament holds both sporting and emotional value, serving as an opportunity to reminisce about Gulf football stars and legends, and to reconnect different generations of football enthusiasts.