Blue Team Coach: We Aim to Compete with Everyone in the Gulf Cup

Kuwait national football team coach Helio Sousa confirmed today that the “Blue Team” is in the best possible condition to face Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the Arabian Gulf Cup. He emphasized that the team’s ambitions extend beyond mere participation to competing with all participating national teams.

Speaking at a press conference alongside national team player Fahad Al-Hajri at the media center of the Arabian Gulf Cup (Gulf Cup 27), Sousa said the team’s preparatory camp had been productive. He added, “We are building a team to compete in the upcoming Asian Cup, and everything we do is aimed in that direction.”

He noted that the technical staff is working to elevate the team’s performance, pointing out that comparing the “Blue Team’s” recent past performances with their current level reveals the extent of the progress achieved.

“We are still in the building phase, and we want to win and develop, striving to be the best version of ourselves every day. This is what we are working on with the players,” he said.

Sousa highlighted efforts to establish a new identity and playing style for the national team, which will help it reach the status it deserves. He praised the players’ hard work and stressed the importance of providing them with stability and comfort to continue developing and delivering better performances.

Regarding the opening match, he said Saudi Arabia has a strong history in the tournament, noting that each national team has its own experiences and circumstances. He added that the Kuwaiti team looks forward to the start of the competition to showcase the progress it has made.

“From my first day with the national team, we have been working to build a squad capable of defeating any opponent,” he said, pointing out that the match against Saudi Arabia, played on their home soil in front of their fans in a tournament with significant momentum, requires special preparation.

“We have won this tournament more than any other team and face many challenges. We must always develop. It is 2026, and we are proud of our past achievements, but we have not yet reached the level we desire. The good news is that we are moving in the right direction,” he continued.

For his part, Kuwait national team player Fahad Al-Hajri expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and warm reception, and voiced his anticipation for a distinguished tournament on all levels.

Al-Hajri said the Kuwaiti national team has a rich legacy in the Arabian Gulf Cup and that its goal in participating remains competing for the title. He noted that the “Blue Team” faces a strong group that includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman.

He stressed that the opening match would be difficult and important, noting that the first game in any tournament carries special significance. He expressed confidence in the Kuwaiti team’s ability to face Saudi Arabia and strive for victory.