U-23 Gulf Cup Kicks Off in Qatar with Thrilling Matches

The AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup officially began on December 4, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, highlighting emerging football talent from across the region. In an exciting start to the tournament, Yemen secured a 2-1 victory over Iraq in the opening match, followed by the United Arab Emirates defeating Oman 2-0 in the second game of the day.

Match Highlights and Tournament Structure

This prestigious tournament, running until December 16, 2025, brings together eight teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of the host nation Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Group B features Iraq, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. The competition marks the first time the AGCFF has organized the event, promising a showcase of rising football stars.

On December 5, the hosts Qatar will play their inaugural match against Kuwait at 14:45, while Saudi Arabia will face Bahrain at 15:00, both at the Aspire Zone. The group stage will feature a total of 14 matches, played on two state-of-the-art pitches that recently hosted the historic FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Final Venue and Significance

The tournament’s final is set to take place on December 16 at the iconic Stadium 974. This stadium is notable for being the first fully demountable covered football stadium in FIFA World Cup history, having previously hosted matches during the 2022 tournament.

The AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup forms part of Qatar’s dynamic sporting calendar, which also includes the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025. This ongoing commitment to hosting world-class events underscores Qatar’s capability to provide exciting platforms for international football.

As the tournament unfolds, football enthusiasts can expect thrilling matches and the emergence of new talent eager to make their mark on the international stage.