The Saudi Arabian national team ended a lengthy trophy drought by capturing the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (“Khaleeji 27”), securing a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final held at Al Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah.
The Green Falcons sealed the outcome early through an intense attacking press that rattled the Emirati defense, maintaining their advantage until the final whistle while shutting down any comeback attempt.
Humam Al-Hamami opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a clinical finish, before Firas Al-Buraikan doubled the lead just two minutes later, handing the hosts an early and comfortable cushion.
The UAE attempted to reduce the deficit and claw their way back into the contest, but Saudi Arabia’s defensive organization prevented them from breaching the goal. The Green Falcons calmly managed their lead, closing down spaces until the referee blew the final whistle to spark off widespread celebrations.
Saudi Arabia completed the tournament with an exceptional defensive record without conceding a single goal. They topped their group with maximum points following victories over Kuwait (1-0), Oman (3-0), and Iraq (2-0), before overcoming Qatar on penalties (3-2) in the semi-finals after a goalless draw through 120 minutes.
This victory brings the Green Falcons’ tally to 4 Gulf Cup titles—adding to their previous triumphs in 1994, 2002, and 2003—ending a 23-year wait since they last lifted the regional trophy.
Khaleeji 27 represents the Saudi senior national team’s first major piece of silverware across all competitions since that 2003 Gulf Cup triumph, having fallen short in several finals during the interim, notably losing to Oman in 2009, Kuwait in 2010, Qatar in 2014, and Bahrain in 2019.
The senior national team’s overall trophy count now stands at 9 official titles, comprising 3 AFC Asian Cups (1984, 1988, 1996), 2 Arab Cups (1998, 2002), and 4 Arabian Gulf Cups.
The triumph delivers a crucial boost for Greek manager Georgios Donis following a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. It restores confidence to the squad ahead of hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, kicking off a phase in which the national team aims to reassert its continental standing prior to hosting the 2034 World Cup on home soil.
