Saudi Arabia last hosted the Gulf Cup in 2014, having previously done so in 1972, 1988, and 2002. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia has secured hosting rights to another national teams soccer event, and is now set to put on the next edition of the Gulf Cup.

This news, unveiled in late December, comes hot on the heels of the official confirmation that the Kingdom will stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup – although that announcement in mid-December came as a surprise to nobody as it was effectively tied up in late 2023.

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Saudi Arabia will host the 2026 Gulf Cup in September of that year, following unanimous approval of its hosting submission by the general assembly of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, through a vote.

The country will also host the men’s AFC Asian Cup in early 2027, underlining its growing – and controversial – role as a key player in hosting major continental and global soccer tournaments. Many feel the primary motivation in the Saudi government for hosting these events is to take worldwide focus away from its alleged myriad of human rights abuses.

The 2024-25 edition of the eight-team Gulf Cup, taking place in Kuwait, concludes today, with Oman taking on Bahrain in the final.

Saudi Arabia last hosted the event in 2014, having previously done so in 1972, 1988, and 2002. The team last won the tournament, meanwhile, in 2003-04.

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The title sponsor of this year’s tournament is Kuwait-based telecommunications firm Zain Group. Heavyweight sports and entertainment agency IMG acts as the Gulf Cup’s exclusive commercial agency.

Other tournament commercial partners include food delivery site and app Talabat, and the BAIC Motor Corporation.