Home Arabian Gulf Cup a key staging post for Saudi Arabia before 2027 Asian Cup | OneFootball

Saudi Arabia begin their home Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah on Wednesday, chasing silverware and a springboard into a historic 2027 AFC Asian Cup. It also serves as another showcase for the Kingdom’s hosting credentials ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

According to spl.com.sa, the Kingdom stages the 27th edition in an extended September to October window for the first time since 2014. Kuwait are first up at Alinma Stadium, and the Asian Cup from 7 January to 5 February will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Manager Georgios Donis is without Salem Al Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid, and while most of the squad carries over from the summer’s FIFA World Cup, newcomers have a chance to impress. Goalkeeper Hamed Al Shanqiti, 21, earns a first call-up after standout form on loan at Al Kholood. He excelled against parent club Al Ittihad in the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League opener and was named RSL Young Player of the Month for August.

Mukhtar Ali’s bright start at the 2024-25 champions brings another international opportunity. Up front, Abdullah Al Salem returns but appears behind Abdullah Al Hamdan, who has scored in back-to-back league games and again in the King’s Cup against Diriyah Club, thriving under Ange Postecoglou at Al Nassr in what could be his most prolific season at 27.

The Abu Al Shamat twins add variety, with Mohammed, the Al Qadsiah full-back, on three assists from seven RSL matches, joint-best in the division, and Saleh offering threat from Al Ahli. Drawn with Oman and Iraq in Group A, Saudi Arabia face three awkward tests. Donis said the focus is improvement and making fans happy, with the goal to win the tournament.

Source: spl.com.sa

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