Saudi Arabia won the Arabian Gulf Cup for the fourth time in its history after beating the UAE 2-0 on Tuesday evening, 6 October 2026, in the final of the 27th edition at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia end 22-year wait
The victory returned Saudi Arabia to the Gulf podium for the first time since 2004, ending a 22-year wait. The hosts also kept clean sheets throughout the tournament, completing their campaign with a win in the first final between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the competition's history.
The UAE made an early attempt in the third minute when the ball reached Nicolas Gimenez inside the penalty area, but he attempted a bicycle kick that went over the bar. After a brief stoppage caused by smoke rising from the stands at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia took control and scored twice in quick succession.
Hamam Al-Hamami opened the scoring in the 11th minute after the UAE defence cleared the ball following a corner. He struck from the edge of the penalty area, with the ball taking a deflection before beating goalkeeper Khalid Eisa and finding the net. Saudi Arabia needed only two minutes to add a second.
Nasser Al-Dawsari played the ball through to Firas Al-Buraikan, who shot to the goalkeeper's left in the 13th minute to give his side an early advantage that lasted until the end. The hosts came close to a third in the 15th minute when Saleh Abu Al-Shamat went through one-on-one with the UAE goalkeeper, but his shot came back off the post.
The UAE responded with a similar chance in the 23rd minute after a pass put Gimenez through on goal, but his powerful shot struck the post. The UAE were awarded a penalty in the closing minutes of the first half after Bruno de Oliveira went down inside the area in a challenge with defender Hassan Al-Tambakti.
Video review cancels UAE penalty
The referee overturned his decision after consulting the video assistant referee and reviewing the incident on the screen, with Saudi Arabia leading 2-0 at half-time. Saudi Arabia continued to press after the interval, and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat nearly extended the lead with a shot saved by Khalid Eisa in the 58th minute.
In the 67th minute, Al-Buraikan passed to Mohammed Kanno inside the area, but the UAE goalkeeper kept out his powerful shot. The UAE tried to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes, with substitute Fabio de Lima's powerful effort off the bar in the 88th minute their best chance.
Saudi Arabia held on to their lead until the final whistle, while the closing moments saw UAE substitute Khalid Al-Dhanhani sent off for protesting one of the decisions.
Tournament awards honour Al-Buraikan, Al-Hamami and Al-Owais
Firas Al-Buraikan won the tournament's top-scorer award after scoring three goals, while Hamam Al-Hamami was named the best player of the 27th edition. Saudi Arabia captain Mohammed Al-Owais was also named the best goalkeeper after keeping clean sheets throughout his team's tournament campaign.
