Kuwait vs Iraq - Gulf Cup of Nations

A fascinating Gulf Cup of Nations chapter awaits on September 26, 2026 when Kuwait take on Iraq at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. He is said to have been described as 'highly compatible with United’s press-heavy, fast-transition system.' United and Arsenal are set to face competition from AC Milan and FC Porto.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Gulf Cup of Nations contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Kuwait will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Iraq will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Ipswich would be open to permanent offers for the winger, who has three years to run on his contract.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Lewis Hall in pre-season action for Newcastle United(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) Manchester United and Arsenal sent scouts to watch Brazilian forward Kaua Elias score a perfect hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk, according to The Sun.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Gulf Cup of Nations table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.