Youth Football Stars Shine as U-23 Gulf Cup Kicks Off in Qatar

The AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup officially commenced on December 4, 2025, at Aspire Zone in Doha. The opening match saw Yemen secure a 2-1 victory over Iraq, while the UAE triumphed with a 2-0 win against Oman. This tournament marks a significant event in the regional football calendar, showcasing emerging talent from across the Gulf.

Competition Structure and Format

Taking place from December 4 to 16, the tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes hosts Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Group B consists of Iraq, UAE, Oman, and Yemen. Qatar will make their tournament debut on December 5, facing Kuwait at 14:45, with Saudi Arabia set to compete against Bahrain at 15:00.

The group stage will unfold across 14 matches played on two state-of-the-art pitches at Aspire Zone. This venue previously hosted the historic FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2025, further establishing its reputation for hosting major sporting events.

Finals and Future Events

The tournament will culminate in the final on December 16 at the iconic Stadium 974, renowned as the first fully demountable covered football stadium in FIFA World Cup history, which notably hosted matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup is part of a dynamic sporting calendar in Qatar, which also includes the FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup scheduled for 2025. These events highlight Qatar’s commitment and capacity to host international sporting competitions, further enhancing its profile on the global stage.