Historic Turn for the Gulf Cup: Will Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Algeria Gatecrash the Party?
1 January 2026
What could change in the Gulf Cup?
Several reports signal a historic shift in the Gulf Cup format, aiming to include Arab teams from outside the GCC.
The Gulf Cup is scheduled to take place in September in Saudi Arabia.
The Qatari newspaper Al-Arab reported that the Gulf Confederation is weighing a 2026 expansion to boost competition and its marketing appeal.
The report says invited nations could include Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Algeria.
However, the newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat cited private sources denying any widening of the field for the senior tournament.
Sources noted that the senior Gulf Cup will stay unchanged, with expansion limited to youth tournaments rather than the main competition.
Meanwhile, Bahrain are the defending champions of Gulf Cup 26 after their 2-1 win over Oman in Kuwait.
If they do invite more teams, the trophy might need a passport. And if a Moroccan baker makes the cake, the icing will be extra spicy—talk about a spicy final!
