KUWAIT CITY: The upcoming Arabian Gulf Cup, set to take place in Kuwait starting December 21, is poised to be a significant preparatory event for Gulf teams aiming to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Seven out of the eight participating teams are leveraging the tournament to gear up for the third round of the Asian qualifiers, as disclosed by former Qatari national team player Meshaal Abdullah. According to Qatar News Agency, Meshaal Abdullah emphasized the historic competitiveness of the Gulf Cup, underscoring the excitement it generates among fans and media. He praised Kuwait's readiness to host the event, forecasting large spectator turnouts, which he believes will enhance the competitive atmosphere and positively influence team performances. The former striker highlighted Qatar as a strong contender for the title, suggesting that the team is motivated following unexpected results in previous qualifiers. He noted the challenge Iraq faces in defending its title amid strong competition and sp eculated that a new champion might emerge, given the tournament's unpredictability. The Gulf Cup is also anticipated to be a platform for new talent, as seen in past tournaments where emerging players made significant impacts. Qatar will be relying on standout players like Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, with new faces such as Meshaal Barsham, Ibrahim Al Hassan, and Homam Al Amin expected to contribute. Reflecting on his Gulf Cup experiences, Meshaal recounted his debut in the 16th edition in 2003, where Qatar placed third, and the pivotal Gulf Cup 22 in 2014 when Qatar clinched its third title against expectations. The tournament has a rich history, having been established 55 years ago, with Kuwait holding the record for the most titles at ten. As the Gulf Cup 26 approaches, it marks the fourth time the event is held under the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, continuing to be a cherished competition among Gulf nations.