Doha: The U-17 Gulf Cup 2026 got underway on Friday at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, with China beating hosts Qatar 2-0 in the tournament's opening match. The UAE beat Bahrain 2-1 in the second match of the day at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium.

The Gulf Football Federation, in coordination with Qatar's Local Organising Committee, brings the tournament to Qatar for the second consecutive year, following its successful inaugural edition in 2025. Running from October 16 to November 4, the tournament brings together young football talents from across the region to compete for the title.

Following a draw held in September, the teams were drawn into two groups of five. Hosts Qatar head Group A alongside the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and China, while Saudi Arabia head Group B alongside Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, and Egypt. Notably, Egypt and China are taking part as guests for the first time, making it the biggest edition of the tournament to date.

Twenty-three matches will be played across three venues: Grand Hamad Stadium, Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, and Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets online from roadtoqatar.qa for QR15, with tickets available in a single category with open seating and accessible to all venues. The U-17 Gulf Cup 2026 marks a highlight of the country's football season ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, taking place from November 19 to December 13 at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone.

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