Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament

Hassan Al-Saeed

Qatari forward Akram Afif (R) reacts after a challenge from Iraqi forward Mohammed Dawood Yaseen (C) during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Qatar and Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, that Qatar won 1-0 on Jan. 22, 2019. Dawood Yaseen scored a goal on Jan. 27, 2021, in Iraq's 2-1 international friendly match victory over Kuwait in Basra, Iraq. — KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Imageshttps://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/gwt/edit/clear.cache.gif

BAGHDAD — Iraq's national soccer team defeated Kuwait 2-1 on Jan. 27 in an international friendly match at Al-Nakhlah stadium in the Iraqi province of Basra.

Now Iraq is hoping it will win final approval to host the upcoming 25th edition of the Arab Gulf Cup tournament.

The Jan. 27 contest came as the teams prepare for matches that will help determine Asia's representation for the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup.

The only previous time Iraq hosted the Gulf Cup was in 1979, also the first year that Iraq won the competition. It also won in 1984 and 1988.

Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament

Adnan Dirjal, Iraq's minister of youth and sports, has gotten the ministry to promote health and fitness and is spearheading the nation's bid to host the 25th Arab Gulf Cup in Basra.

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