The Gulf Football Association has confirmed Jalal Jaid as the referee for Kuwait Vs Iraq, fixing the full officiating team for Saturday's match at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. It is another important assignment for the Moroccan official, who is regarded as one of the leading referees in Africa and the Arab world.
Jaid's appointment adds another high-profile fixture to a career that has steadily moved upwards since he received his international badge in 2019. Born in Casablanca in 1987, he has already built a strong tournament record, including participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2025, as well as selection among the referees for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Why this appointment matters
The key point is not only the referee himself, but the full picture around the match. The committee's announcement confirms the officiating team in advance, which is standard practice for a fixture of this level and removes any doubt over who will oversee Iraq Vs Kuwait in Jeddah.
That matters because this is a game that will be watched closely, and the refereeing crew now carries the responsibility of keeping it controlled and clear. With Jalal Jaid at the centre, the Gulf Football Association has turned to a referee with significant continental and international experience.
A record-making year for Jaid
The source also notes that Jaid has reached a historic milestone this year by refereeing three matches as a center referee in the tournament, equaling the record of Said Belqola. That is a strong indicator of the confidence placed in him, and it helps explain why he has been handed this latest assignment.
For Iraq and Kuwait, the focus now shifts fully to the football. The officials have been named, the venue is set, and the match will take place tomorrow, Saturday, in Jeddah.
