A stunning opening for the 26th Gulf Football Championship

The 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship "Gulf 26" kicked off in Kuwait on Saturday evening.

The opening ceremony began with military music playing the national anthem of the State of Kuwait, the host of the tournament, followed by a speech by Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, to the attendees at Jabir Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

The Emir of the State of Kuwait said in his speech, "We welcome you all to this sporting event that brings us together in the State of Kuwait, the land of love and peace, and reflects the fraternal sporting spirit among our Gulf peoples."

He added, "In the name of God, we open the 26th Arabian Gulf Football Championship."

After that, a number of children played football on the sandy beaches, while sailboats passed by them in the waters that symbolize the Arabian Gulf.

A 5-minute singing segment was also presented, after which the Emir of Kuwait bid farewell to the attendees in the main box of the stadium, which includes prominent figures, headed by Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football.

After the opening ceremony, the players of the two teams entered to warm up in preparation for the opening match between the Kuwaiti and Omani teams in the first group competitions, after which the UAE teams will meet Qatar.

The second group competitions will begin tomorrow, Sunday, where the Iraqi team, the title holder, will play against Yemen, and the Saudi team will meet its Bahraini counterpart in a strong match.

The first two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, where the first round will be held in a single-round league system.