The 26th Arabian Gulf Cup kicks off on Saturday in Kuwait when the 10-times champions and hosts get the ball rolling against Oman at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. Here’s everything you need to know. The tournament is organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and includes its eight member nations: Saudi Arabia, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/11/15/paulo-bento-urges-uae-to-rest-and-recover-for-qatar-test-in-world-cup-qualifier/" target="_blank">UAE</a>, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen. Principally to take place every two years, the competition has been often affected by a number of issues — both political and organisational — meaning there was a gap between the 2019 tournament and the 2023 event, which was hosted and <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/iraq/2023/01/19/basra-gulf-cup-stampede-kills-at-least-one-as-fans-gather-for-final/" target="_blank">won by Iraq</a>. That proved a special moment for Iraqi football as the team celebrated success while hosting a major football tournament for the first time in almost 44 years. Kuwait, and, Kuwait City to be precise. The matches will be played at two venues: Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium (capacity: 60,000) in the Ardhiya area of the city, and the Sulaibikhat Stadium (capacity: 15,000) in Sulaibikhat. December 21-January 3. The eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. They have been drawn in two groups of four, with Group A featuring: UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Group B comprises Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals on December 31, with the final held three days later on January 3. December 21: Kuwait v Oman (9pm UAE) December 21: UAE v Qatar (11pm) December 24: Oman v Qatar (6.25pm) December 24: Kuwait v UAE (9.30pm) December 27: Kuwait v Qatar (6.30pm) December 27: UAE v Oman (6.30pm) December 22: Iraq v Yemen (6.25pm) December 22: Saudi Arabia v Bahrain (9.30pm) December 25: Yemen v Saudi Arabia (6.25pm) December 25: Iraq v Bahrain (9.30pm) December 28: Iraq v Saudi Arabia (6.30pm) December 28: Bahrain v Yemen (6.30pm) Hosts Kuwait are way out in front in terms of success, with 10 titles in all. However, they have won only once in the past 25 years (2010). Iraq have lifted the trophy four times following their triumph two years ago, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have each lifted the trophy three times. The UAE (2007, 2013) and Oman have each won it twice. Iraq are the defending champions and will look to hang on to the trophy they won by defeating Oman 3-2 after extra-time <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/iraq/2023/01/19/basra-gulf-cup-stampede-kills-at-least-one-as-fans-gather-for-final/" target="_blank">in dramatic style in Basra</a>. Football fans eager to watch the tournament can catch it primarily on AD Sports and Dubai Sports.