Part of the opening of the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, Iraq. Photo: IFA
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq has been officially announced as the host country for the 2028 Arabian Gulf Cup, which will be held in either Basra or Baghdad.
The Executive Office of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) ratified the decision during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Iraq made the only formal bid to host the event.
The tournament will take place from December 9 to December 22, 2028.
The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is currently underway in Jeddah, running from September 23 to October 6, 2026.
While Basra is anticipated to be the primary location following the successful conclusion of the 2023 edition, Baghdad is still in contention.
The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has set a deadline to formally confirm the host city and will be expected to meet all organizational criteria in accordance with authorized standards.
The decision marks the third time Iraq hosts the tournament, with the fifth edition in Baghdad in 1979 and the 25th edition in Basra in 2023.