Their selection follows a newly approved qualification system by the Arabian Gulf Cup Federation, which determines entry based on the Asian Football Confederation’s club rankings. The official tournament draw is scheduled for September 9, with the competition set to run from October 13, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

Marking a major milestone for the tournament, this upcoming edition will expand to feature 12 clubs for the first time, growing from the eight-team format used in the previous two seasons.