The Gulf Football Federation (GFF) Referees Committee has announced the match official appointments for the opening round of the second edition of the Gulf U-17 Cup Qatar 2026, which will take place in Qatar from 16 October to 4 November.
The tournament will feature 10 national teams competing in 23 matches, making it the largest edition in the competition's history in terms of participating teams.
The tournament is organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Qatar, in coordination with the Gulf Football Federation.
Saudi referee Ali Mohammed Al Qahtani has been appointed to officiate the opening match between Qatar and China in Group A at Hamad Grand Stadium. He will be assisted by fellow Saudis Saad Al Shabrami and Mohammed Wazi, with Abdullah Zarban, also from Saudi Arabia, serving as the fourth official. Abdullah Al Balushi has been appointed as the referee assessor.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti referee Dawood Al Abdullah will take charge of the second Group A fixture between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium.
He will be assisted by compatriot Shafi Al Failakawi and Iraq's Shaker Adib, while fellow Iraqi Laith Sattam will serve as the fourth official. Abdulrahman Al Amri has been appointed as the referee assessor.
