KUWAIT: Kuwait were drawn in Group A with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in the 26th Khaleeji Zain Cup during a ceremony in Kuwait on Saturday. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen will compete in Group B during the tournament, which takes place in Kuwait from December 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025. The draw ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria was attended by Kuwait’s Information Minister and State Minister of Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, alongside delegation heads from each Gulf nation. The event included the unveiling of the tournament’s official mascot, “Haydo”, designed to bring a unique spirit to this year’s competition.

The evening honored veteran players and coaches, celebrating their contributions to Gulf football. Historical footage from previous Arabian Gulf Cups added a nostalgic touch, reminding attendees of the region’s rich football heritage. Notably, Kuwait has a special legacy in the tournament — it first hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup in 1974 and holds the record for the most titles with 10 wins. The tournament promises an exciting competition as Kuwait prepares to welcome players, fans and officials from across the Gulf, further cementing its role as a key player in regional sports.