The spectacular Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony at Basra International Stadium. The tournament takes place from January 6 to January 19.
Fireworks light up the sky over the Basra International Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, southern Iraq, on Friday, January 6. Getty
This is the first time Iraq has hosted the Gulf Cup since 1979. Getty
A performance at the opening ceremony. Iraqis hope hosting the tournament will help kick off a national recovery, after 40 years of turmoil. Getty
Artists entertain the Basra crowd. Iraq has won the tournament three times - including when it was held in Baghdad 43 years ago. Getty
The 65,000-capacity Basra International Stadium bathed in light before the cup got under way with Iraq playing Oman. The game ended 0-0. Getty Images
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, centre, at Basra International Stadium, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino to his right. Mr Al Sudani opened the tournament and welcomed the eight teams and their fans. Photo: Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Performers at the opening ceremony. Competing for the Gulf Cup are: Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Yemen. Getty
The spectacular Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony at Basra International Stadium. The tournament takes place from January 6 to January 19.
Fireworks light up the sky over the Basra International Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, southern Iraq, on Friday, January 6. Getty
This is the first time Iraq has hosted the Gulf Cup since 1979. Getty
A performance at the opening ceremony. Iraqis hope hosting the tournament will help kick off a national recovery, after 40 years of turmoil. Getty
Artists entertain the Basra crowd. Iraq has won the tournament three times - including when it was held in Baghdad 43 years ago. Getty
The 65,000-capacity Basra International Stadium bathed in light before the cup got under way with Iraq playing Oman. The game ended 0-0. Getty Images
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, centre, at Basra International Stadium, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino to his right. Mr Al Sudani opened the tournament and welcomed the eight teams and their fans. Photo: Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Performers at the opening ceremony. Competing for the Gulf Cup are: Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Yemen. Getty
The spectacular Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony at Basra International Stadium. The tournament takes place from January 6 to January 19.
