Iraq vs Oman match in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup. Photo: INA
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq will take on Kuwait on Saturday, looking for their first victory in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, after drawing 1-1 with Oman in Jeddah.
The Group A match will take place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Baghdad at 6:55 p.m. local time, with Iraq starting the second round with one point and Kuwait aiming to rebound from a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia.
Iraq started quickly against Oman on Wednesday, with Mohammed Qasim scoring in the sixth minute with a strong left-footed finish.
Oman answered in the second half with Nasser Al-Rawahi, who equalized in the 67th minute to give both sides a draw.
News from Iraq’s Coach Graham Arnold said that preparations for the first match had been restricted, with his group having little time together before playing an Oman team that had been in camp for many days.
Arnold mentioned that Iraq’s players are physically, tactically, and emotionally ready for Kuwait. Arnold may make changes to his team for the match against Kuwait due to exhaustion and the hot weather in Saudi Arabia.
Half of Iraq’s Gulf Cup roster had competed in the 2026 World Cup, with the remaining being younger players given a chance with the national team.
Arnold said that Mustafa Saadoun and Mohammed Qasim are available for the match, while defender Akam Hashim’s fitness is being examined.
Saturday’s encounter is crucial after Iraq’s two-point loss to Oman. Saudi Arabia leads Group A with three points, Iraq and Oman have one apiece, while Kuwait has no points after the first round.
The top two teams advanced to the semifinals.
Iraq’s last group encounter is against Saudi Arabia on September 29, making it crucial to win against Kuwait before facing the current group leaders.