What Is 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations featured squads from 8 national teams, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, with the tournament held in Bahrain from January 5 to 18, 2013. Each team registered a 23-player squad, and the host nation won the title for the first time.

Key Facts

The 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations took place from January 5 to 18, 2013, in Bahrain.
Eight national teams participated, each submitting a 23-player squad.
Bahrain won the tournament for the first time in its history.
The final match was held at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa.
Iraq withdrew before the tournament, replaced by Palestine.

Overview

The 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations was the 21st edition of the biennial football tournament organized by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. Hosted by Bahrain from January 5 to 18, 2013, the competition featured national teams from across the Arabian Peninsula competing for regional supremacy. This edition was notable for being the first time Bahrain claimed the title, marking a historic achievement for the host nation.

The tournament followed a standard format, with eight teams divided into two groups of four, playing round-robin matches to determine semifinal qualification. Originally, Iraq was scheduled to participate but withdrew due to security concerns, leading to Palestine being invited as a replacement. Despite the late change, all teams submitted full 23-player squads as per regulations.

Bahrain hosted the tournament from January 5 to 18, 2013, using the Bahrain National Stadium and other local venues to accommodate matches.
Eight teams participated, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Palestine, and the host nation Bahrain.
Each national squad consisted of 23 players, in line with standard FIFA tournament regulations for team size and roster flexibility.
Ali Adnan of Iraq was originally expected to play, but Iraq’s withdrawal meant no players from that nation competed in the final event.
Bahrain emerged as champions after defeating Saudi Arabia 2–1 in the final, securing their first Gulf Cup title in history.

Team Roster Structures

Each participating nation followed strict guidelines in assembling their squads, balancing experienced players with emerging talent to maximize competitive edge. The 23-player limit allowed for tactical depth, including three designated goalkeepers and a mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

Goalkeeper quota: Each squad included exactly three goalkeepers to meet tournament safety and substitution requirements during matches.
Minimum age: The youngest player was 18-year-old Mohammed Dawood of Yemen, highlighting youth integration in national team planning.
Senior presence: Kuwait’s team featured 36-year-old Bader Al-Mutawa, a veteran with over 150 caps, providing leadership and experience.
Injury replacements: Teams were allowed one substitution due to injury before the tournament, but no changes after the opening match.
Foreign-based players: UAE included several players from European clubs, such as Ali Mabkhout, who played in Portugal’s youth leagues.
Captain selection: Oman’s squad was led by Ahmed Hadid, the team’s all-time top scorer, emphasizing continuity in national team leadership.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of squad sizes, average ages, and key players across select teams in the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations:

Country	Squad Size	Avg. Age	Notable Player	Final Result
Bahrain	23	25.4	Mohammed Al-Romaihi	Champions
Saudi Arabia	23	26.1	Nasser Al-Shamrani	Runners-up
UAE	23	24.8	Ali Mabkhout	Group Stage
Oman	23	26.7	Ahmed Hadid	Semifinals
Palestine	23	25.9	Ali Karimi	Group Stage

The data shows that while all teams adhered to the 23-player rule, average ages varied slightly, with Oman fielding the oldest squad and UAE the youngest. Bahrain’s victory was achieved with a balanced mix of youth and experience, while Saudi Arabia’s runners-up finish highlighted their reliance on seasoned professionals. Palestine’s inclusion marked a symbolic expansion of the tournament’s regional scope, despite their early exit.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Gulf Cup squads reflected broader trends in Gulf football, including investment in youth development and regional integration. The tournament served as a platform for national pride and regional diplomacy, especially with Palestine’s participation amid geopolitical challenges.

Historic win for Bahrain: The championship victory boosted national morale and increased funding for local football programs.
Palestine’s inclusion: Marked the first time a non-Gulf nation participated, expanding the event’s political and cultural significance.
Youth integration: Several teams fielded players under 22, indicating a strategic shift toward long-term national team planning.
Regional unity: The tournament fostered cooperation among Gulf nations despite ongoing political tensions in the broader Middle East.
Media exposure: Broadcast across the Arab world, the event increased visibility for Gulf football and attracted new sponsors.
Player development: Several squad members, like Ali Mabkhout, went on to compete in the AFC Asian Cup and European leagues.

The 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations squads were more than just rosters—they represented national aspirations, regional shifts, and the evolving landscape of football in the Arabian Peninsula.