Kuwait wraps up Dubai training ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Iraq
DUBAI, March 16: Kuwait concluded its training camp in Dubai, UAE, on Monday evening and is set to depart for Basra, Iraq, tomorrow in preparation for their crucial clash against the Iraqi national team in the seventh round of Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
During their Dubai camp, which began on March 9, the Blues played a single friendly match, suffering a 1-3 defeat to China on Saturday at Al Maktoum Stadium. Eid Al-Rashidi scored Kuwait's only goal. The team is now focused on continuing their qualifying campaign, with another key match against Oman in the eighth round on March 25 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
Kuwait currently sits in fifth place in Group B with four points. South Korea leads the standings with 14 points, followed by Iraq with 11 points. Jordan holds third place with nine points, while Oman is fourth with six points. Palestine remains at the bottom with three points.
Argentine coach Juan Pizzi utilized the friendly against China to test as many players as possible, ensuring squad readiness for the crucial encounter against Iraq. The starting lineup featured:
Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Sami Al-Sanea, Fahad Al-Hajri, Salman Burmiah, Hamad Al-Harbi, Sultan Al-Enezi, Moaz Al-Osaima, Fawaz Ayed, Mohammed Daham, Fawaz Al-Mubailish, Yousef Nasser
Pizzi opted not to start Al-Qadsiya and Al-Arabi players due to their recent participation in Gulf Champions League and AFC Champions League matches. He later introduced them as substitutes in the second half.
The Kuwait Football Association has announced that applications for fans wishing to attend the match against Iraq will be accepted for two days only, starting Sunday evening. Registration will be open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm at the association's headquarters in Adailiya. Applicants must be over 18 and provide a copy of their passport.
The association will facilitate travel arrangements, including transportation from the headquarters (departing at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 20), match tickets, entry visas, and breakfast. The return flight will take place immediately after the match.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Chalet Prices Skyrocket 60% As Eid Triggers Booking Frenzy
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The five-day Eid Al-Adha holiday has become an opportunity for families to enjoy a relaxing time, away from the pressures of daily life. Almost everyone has resorted to chalets as a haven and the first and most attractive option, especially given the seaside atmosphere they offer amid the intense heat, as well as the comprehensive entertainment services, at a time when traveling outside the country is not feasible for many. In this context, several reservation office workers confirmed to the newspaper that chalets in Sabah Al- Ahmad Sea City witnessed a high demand and a remarkable increase in prices -- about 60 percent higher compared to normal days. This price hike is due to the increased demand during the Eid holiday, which some consider an unjustified increase. They revealed that the rent for 'deluxe' chalets -- consisting of four rooms and a swimming pool, and located on the second row from the sea -- reached about KD500 during the holiday, while the rent for those on the first row from the sea (on the creek) ranged between KD600 and KD800. They said the rent for 'super deluxe' chalets on the first row of the creek ranged from KD900 to KD1,800; while prices for VIP chalets (which consist of 10 to 14 rooms in modern buildings, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and game rooms for adults and children) reached between KD1,800 and KD2,500. They added that all these chalets are fully booked days before the holiday. They pointed out that the significant increase in bookings coincided with the school holidays and Eid Al-Adha. 'The long holiday was expected to encourage many to travel, but the reality proved otherwise, contributing to a surge in domestic bookings,' they added. They also indicated that occupancy rates reached nearly 100 percent in most locations, especially in Sabah Al-Ahmad Sea City, which has become a major destination for short vacations and special occasions. The heightened activity is not limited to chalets, as it extended to coastal hotels and resorts, where the price of a single room per night ranged between KD100 and KD140; while hotel suites reached about KD400 for two nights during the weekend. They reported that the majority of the tenants prefer chalets with a direct sea view, a private pool, daily housekeeping, and proximity to public amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, mosques, and play areas for children. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al-Dahham said the chalets have become an indispensable annual choice for him and his family during the Eid holiday, explaining that the tranquil atmosphere and services provided make the stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience. He pointed out that gathering at a chalet restores the warmth of family relationships, which could be lost amid the busyness of daily life. He asserted, 'The cost may be high, but the psychological and social benefits are worth it.' Ali Al-Zaid believes that the high prices of chalets during Eid are unjustified, but he finds himself forced to book them due to the lack of suitable alternatives, especially for large family groups. He stated that many young people and families turn to chalets because these facilities provide a safe environment for entertainment, without having to leave the country. He called for increasing the number of local entertainment facilities at affordable prices. Umm Yousef said the chalet has become part of her family's Eid rituals, disclosing that the children eagerly await this holiday to play and swim, away from the routine of school and gadgets. She revealed that the chalets provide psychological comfort to mothers, as they can enjoy the tranquility and services offered. She called for the development of more family resorts that ensure privacy and suit different budgets. Ghada Al-Azmi described the chalet experience as a 'psychological break' from the city's traffic and work pressures, pointing out that having local options for relaxation is better than quick and expensive travel. She added the high demand for chalets is a manifestation of the community's need for organized, state-supported recreational outlets. She emphasized that the development of Failaka Island will enhance these destinations and contribute to stimulating domestic tourism and reducing reliance on foreign travel. Mohammed Akbar pointed out that chalets have become a practical alternative to travel, particularly during short vacations that do not require foreign travel arrangements. He said many families eagerly await the Eid holiday to book a chalet and spend a few days of rest and relaxation. He noted that these destinations have also become a logical choice from a financial standpoint, as they help avoid the high costs of travel, especially during the off-peak season. Abdulaziz Al-Kandari shared that he is keen on spending official holidays in a chalet due to the country's lack of family-friendly recreational facilities other than malls. Al-Kandari added, 'Unfortunately, there are no real recreational facilities that accommodate young people and families, and for them to use their free time properly. This is a clear defect, especially when we are talking about children who are considered the backbone of the future.' He stressed the importance of giving this group adequate attention by establishing appropriate facilities that meet their needs.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait shines at Asian Shooting Championships in China
LINFEN, China, June 5: The Kuwait Shooting Sports Club announced that the national shooting team claimed three medals—two gold and one bronze—at the ongoing Asian Shooting Championships in Linfen, China. The tournament features strong participation from across the continent, making this a significant achievement for Kuwaiti shooting. Duaij Al-Otaibi, head of the Kuwaiti delegation and President of the Shooting Club, confirmed that champion shooter Mansour Al-Rashidi won gold in the individual skeet competition. Fellow shooter Abdulaziz Al-Saad secured the bronze medal, while the silver went to a Malaysian competitor. In the team skeet shooting competition, the Kuwaiti trio—Abdulaziz Al-Saad, Mansour Al-Rashidi, and Abdulaziz Al-Faihan—clinched the gold medal, outperforming host nation China, which took silver, and Qatar, which earned the bronze. Al-Otaibi dedicated this victory to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the people of Kuwait. He praised the shooters' exceptional performances and expressed optimism for further medals as the championship continues through June 10. He also extended his appreciation to the Public Authority for Sports for its consistent support and commended the technical and administrative teams for their efforts in achieving these results.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait airport braces for 236K Eid travelers
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: Kuwait International Airport will cater to the first batch of pilgrims returning from the Holy Land on June 9, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that the airport will operate 1,737 flights during the Eid Al-Adha holiday. In a press statement, the DGCA revealed that the number of departing and arriving passengers during the holiday is expected to reach 236,000. It indicated that the most preferred destinations for travelers include Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah, Doha and Istanbul; given the increased demand for these destinations during the holiday season. It emphasized the importance of arriving at the airport well in advance of the flight, and ensuring that all required travel documents are complete and valid; such as passports, confirmed flight and hotel reservations, and obtaining an entry visa to the intended destination, if required. It also affirmed its commitment to ensure smooth flow of travel and provide the best services to travelers, in coordination with the entities operating at the airport.
