Kuwait Unveils a 26-Player Squad for UAE Camp as Sousa Targets Arab Cup Glory in Doha
29 septembre 2025
Squad and Camp Details
The Portuguese coach Helio Sousa has named 26 players for a training camp in the United Arab Emirates in October as part of Kuwait's preparations for forthcoming commitments.
Kuwait will face Mauritania on November 26 in Doha, in a match that serves as an Arab Cup qualifier as the tournament unfolds in Qatar later this year.
These preparations are intended to help the Blue secure a place in the competition while attempting to reestablish their regional and continental presence after years away from the spotlight.
Camp Logistics and Outlook
The Kuwait Football Association stated that the camp will begin with evening sessions at the Friendship and Peace Stadium, with the first day media-access limited to 15 minutes before training sessions are closed to maximize focus.
Details about the camp's program—whether there will be additional friendlies or only training, and if Kuwaiti clubs may host warm-up matches—were not disclosed.
Historical Context and Ambition
Sousa took charge in August for a two-year term, replacing the former coach after Kuwait fell short in World Cup qualifying. This marks Sousa's first official appearance for Kuwait as he aims to rebuild the squad and guide it back to a position of contention.
Sousa is no stranger to the Gulf, having previously led Bahrain to historic Gulf Cup success in 2019 and triumph at the West Asian Cup that year. The Federation hopes his Gulf experience will help maximize the talents of local players for positive results.
Heritage and Challenge
Kuwait's football history is long, with ten Gulf Cup titles—the region's all-time record—and an Asian Cup title in 1980. The Blue were the first Arab nation to reach a World Cup (Spain 1982). They have also recorded famous results and tough defeats over decades.
The national team endured suspensions by FIFA in 2008 and 2015 amid governance and administrative issues; the ban was lifted in December 2017. Today, Kuwait seeks a fresh start under Sousa, beginning with the Arab Cup qualifiers and a warm-up in the UAE, aiming to restore their proud tradition.
Punchline 1: Kuwait's tactics are so precise they could earn a visa for the ball—target practice, with a passport to the net.
Punchline 2: Sousa's plan is tight enough to make a laser nervous—just aim for the goal and hope the net signs a receipt.
