KUWAIT: The youth initiative “Blue Wave Group” organized a vibrant march on Thursday night in Souq Al-Mubarakiya to show support for the Kuwaiti national football team ahead of their match against Qatar in the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26).

The event, aimed at motivating the players, attracted fans of all ages. Participants waved Kuwaiti flags, held blue banners, and chanted familiar songs such as “Oh, ya Al-Azrag” and “Ana Kuwaiti ana” alongside other anthems that have become synonymous with the national team over the years. Souq Al-Mubarakiya has become a top destination for football fans attending Khaleeji Zain 26, the regional football tournament bringing together the eight Gulf nations.

A fan takes a photo on his smartphone of man waving Kuwait's flag at the support march.

Passionate supporters chant national team anthems in Souq Al-Mubarakiya.

Passionate supporters chant Kuwaiti national team anthems in Souq Al-Mubarakiya.

A passionate supporter holds Kuwait's flag high as he chants national anthems.

A young girl waves Kuwait's old red and white flag at the march.

Fans of all ages join forces in Souq Al-Mubarakiya, waving flags in support of their favorite team during the Khaleeji Zain 26 tournament.

Fans dressed in blue, the Kuwait national team's color, take part in the march at Souq Al-Mubarakiya to show their support ahead of the Gulf Cup match.

The streets of Souq Al-Mubarakiya come alive with energy as Blue Wave Group leads a march to cheer on Kuwait's national football team.

Taking place from December 21 to January 3 in Kuwait, the tournament has attracted supporters from Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, the UAE, and Qatar. The souq has been busy with fans from across the Gulf, who have brought their passion for football into the market. Many have been posting videos on social media, showing themselves supporting their teams, singing chants, and even playing impromptu games of football in the alleys of the market. — Agencies