Egypt Eyes Gulf Cup 2026: A Potential Historic Expansion
2 January 2026
Background
Gulf media outlets have unveiled a fresh proposal inside the Gulf Football Association, to study widening participation in the 2026 Gulf Cup, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The plan would invite Arab nations outside the GCC, potentially rewriting the tournament's historical path for its fans worldwide to savor daily.
Sources say the proposal would invite Arab nations, including Egypt, plus Morocco, Algeria and Jordan, to raise the tournament’s competitive and technical level and to expand its media and marketing appeal regionally and globally, significantly too.
The Pharaohs' Position
Analyst Gamal Al-Ghandour revealed the Egyptian FA's stance on the Pharaohs possibly taking part, noting invitations remain speculative until a formal request arrives.
Al-Ghandour added that the federation had not yet received any invitation from the Gulf federation to participate, stressing the matter is not up for discussion now.
He added the federation would discuss the matter with Hossam Hassan if an official invitation arrives, after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He stressed the current focus is on supporting the coaching staff and players to compete for the Africa Cup title, with plans for the next steps and World Cup 2026 preparations to be announced after the continental tournament ends, going forward too.
It should be noted that Bahrain is the reigning Gulf Cup champion after last year’s edition in Kuwait, beating Oman 2-1 in the final.
Punchline 1: If Egypt join, the only thing heavier than the trophy might be the debate about invitations.
Punchline 2: And if the Gulf Cup goes international, even the referees will need visas for extra travel.
