Officially.. Baghdad to host Arabian Gulf Cup 28

The Gulf Football Association has officially announced its approval for the Iraqi capital Baghdad to host the Arabian Gulf Cup in its 28th edition (Gulf 28), in a historic decision that has brought joy back to the hearts of Iraqis and returned Baghdad to the forefront of major football events after a long absence.

The official announcement came after a historic agreement between the Arabian Gulf Cup and the Iraq Football Association, with the approval of all parties involved, to officially adopt Baghdad's bid to host the most important Gulf event.

The tournament will take place from December 9 to December 22, 2028, which is a perfect timing as it comes at the peak of the football season and in the wonderful winter atmosphere that Baghdad is famous for at this time of year.

An agreement has been reached between the Arabian Gulf Cup and the Iraq Football Association, with the approval of the relevant parties, after Iraq submitted a comprehensive file that impressed the Gulf inspection committee in terms of infrastructure, stadiums, hotels, and logistical services.

The Iraqi Football Association will later determine the official venues that will host the matches, coinciding with the arrival of inspection committees from the Arabian Gulf Cup to evaluate the stadiums, hotels, and logistical services.

Baghdad previously hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup once before, in the fifth edition (Gulf 5) in 1979, a tournament that remains etched in the memory of every Iraqi and Arab.

The tournament was a significant success for Iraq on both organizational and technical levels, marking a historic turning point in the course of Gulf football.

Iraq has been crowned champion of the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time in its history after breaking Kuwait's monopoly on the first four editions, marking the beginning of an era of Iraqi dominance.

All matches of the tournament took place at the Al-Shaab International Stadium in Baghdad, a venue that has witnessed the most beautiful nights of Iraqi football and was filled to capacity with fans who came from all provinces of Iraq.

Iraq won all their matches in that edition without suffering any losses or draws, achieving a historic feat that is rarely repeated.

Iraq's attacking line, led by the legend Hussein Saeed, Ali Kazem, and Falah Hassan, scored 23 goals and conceded only one in an exceptional tournament.

Iraq hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup for the second time in the city of Basra (Gulf 25) in 2023 and also won the title in front of over 65,000 spectators at Al-Nakhla Stadium, in a tournament classified as the most successful edition in the history of the Gulf in terms of organization and attendance.

Iraq will host the Arabian Gulf Cup 28 in 2028, marking the third time in history for the country and the second time for the capital Baghdad, after a full 49 years since hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup 5 in 1979.