Watch.. The opening ceremony of the "Gulf 26" Championship in Kuwait

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

The opening ceremony began with the military band playing the national anthem of the State of Kuwait, the host of the tournament, followed by a speech by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, to those present at Jaber 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 Cup."

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National Anthem of the State of Kuwait
Speech of His Highness Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, at the opening of the 26th Gulf Cup #Gulf_Cup || #Gulf_Zain26 #AlKass_Channels || #Show_Platform pic.twitter.com/sWLP58bzVS

— Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) December 21, 2024

Afterwards, a number of children participated in a show, playing football on the sandy beaches, while sailing boats passed by them in the waters that symbolize the Arabian Gulf.

Giant flags of the eight countries participating in the tournament were also displayed, along with large screens inside the stadium, broadcasting distinctive archival footage from previous Gulf Cup tournaments, with a huge model of the tournament trophy in the middle.

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Shots from the opening ceremony of the 26th Gulf Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium #Gulf_Cup || #Gulf_Zain26 #AlKass_Channels || #Show_Platform pic.twitter.com/iqI996eAfd

— Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) December 21, 2024

A 5-minute singing segment was presented, after which the Emir of Kuwait bid farewell to the attendees in the main box of the stadium, which included 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 and Qatari teams will meet.

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

The first two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals, with the first round being played in a single-round league system.

(Agencies)