Gulf Cup - Group A: Perfect Saudi Arabia; Oman pip Iraq

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia maintained their perfect run at the Gulf Cup 2026 by beating Iraq 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals as Group A winners on Tuesday.

Oman secured the other berth from the group after they defeated Kuwait 3-1, pipping Iraq to second spot by the luck of the draw after both teams finished on equal points, goal difference and goals scored.

Saudi Arabia 2-0 Iraq

Hosts Saudi Arabia dominated the first half but despite a combined four attempts from both teams, neither goalkeepers were troubled.

The action went up a notch in the second half with Saudi Arabia breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute when Iraqi custodian Ahmed Basil let the ball slip from his grasp after clashing with teammate Joseph Al Iman, with Abdullah Al Salem pouncing on the rebound to score.

The match was settled in the 69th minute when Abdullah Al Hamdan was sent through in the box and smashed a left footed shot past Basil for his third goal in as many games to ensure Saudi Arabia finished on maximum points.

Oman 3-1 Kuwait

Oman fought back from a goal down to punch their ticket to the semi-finals but not without some nervous moments after their points tally and goal record were matched equally by Iraq.

Shabab Al Khaldi headed home the opening goal from a corner delivery after six minutes to give Kuwait the early advantage.

Nasser Al Rawahi flicked home from close range to equalise in the 65th minute before Oman turned the game around late on.

Ahmed Al Rawahi powered in a low shot in the 81st minute with Musab Al Shaqsy confirming the win with a brilliant header three minutes later as Oman eventually advancing.

Photos: Saudi Arabia Football Federation

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