Kuwait will face defending champions UAE, Oman, and Iraq in Group B of the FIFA-accredited 22nd Gulf Cup of nations, the draw held at the host city Riyadh revealed on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the hosts will be pitted against Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen in Group A, announced Secretary General of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation Ahmad Al-Khamees at the draw ceremony held at the historic Masmak Fort in Riyadh.
The draw placed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as heads of their respective groups for being the host nation and champions respectively.
According to FIFA's July standings, they were followed by Qatar and Oman (pot two), Iraq and Bahrain (pot three) and Kuwait and Yemen (pot four).
The ceremony also showcased the GCC Cup mascot - the 'Arabian Tiger' - and witnessed the UAE delegation handing down the cup to the upcoming hosts.
The opening and closing fixtures of the tournament, which begins in November, will be held at the King Fahad International Stadium, with the remaining matches held at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium, both in Riyadh.
Kuwait are the most nation to have won the illustrious regional tournament on a total 10 occassions, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia with an equal three titles and Qatar and UAE with two apiece.
source: KUNA