AFC Asian Cup 2031: Iraq and Kuwait Explore Joint Bid
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is set to receive a joint bid from Iraq and Kuwait to host the prestigious AFC Asian Cup in 2031. The two neighboring countries have reached preliminary verbal understandings to submit a collaborative candidate portfolio, leveraging their geographic proximity, advanced stadium infrastructure, and regional event hosting experience.
According to sources close to the matter, the joint dossier will feature prominent sporting facilities across both borders, with Basra’s Basra International Stadium (Palm Trunk) taking center stage. The 65,000-seat capacity stadium is backed by modernized transport and hospitality infrastructure delivered during the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup.
The Kuwaiti side will contribute key venues such as Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, supported by their administrative track record in hosting continental sporting fixtures. The AFC is currently evaluating bids from several prospective host candidates, including Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and a joint Central Asian bid by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The joint initiative aims to capitalize on the strengths of both countries, creating a competitive candidate portfolio that will be submitted to the AFC. If successful, this would mark a significant milestone in regional sporting cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait.
