Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation finalises list of participating clubs for the third edition of the Gulf club Champions League
The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation has finalised the list of clubs participating in the third edition of the Gulf club Champions League for the 2026–2027 season. The competition will begin on 13 October 2026 and run until 30 April 2027, featuring 12 clubs representing the member national associations.
The third edition will feature the largest number of participating clubs in the tournament’s history since its launch, following the decision to increase the number of teams from eight to twelfth. This step reflects the tournament’s continued development and the expansion of participation among member associations, contributing to a higher level of competition and strengthening the tournament’s status across the region.
The participating clubs were selected in accordance with tournament regulations, based on their results in their local league competitions and the AFC Member Association Rankings for the 2026–2027 season. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Qatar were each allocated two places, while Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Yemen received one place each.
The participating clubs are:
- Saudi Arabia: Al-Ettifaq SC, NEOM SC.
- United Arab Emirates: Al Nasr SC, Ajman SC.
- Qatar: Al Duhail SC, Qatar SC
- Iraq: Erbil SC, Al Zawraa SC.
- Oman: Al Shabab SC.
- Bahrain: Al Riffa SC.
- Kuwait: Kazma SC.
- Yemen: Shaab Hadhramaut SC.
The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation approved increasing the number of participating clubs starting from the third edition. It also set 9 September as the date for the official tournament draw ceremony.
It is worth noting that Iraq’s Duhok SC won the inaugural edition of the tournament, and Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC won the second edition.