EN
Group B: UAE, Qatar impress

Group B: UAE, Qatar impress

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates made a flying start to their Gulf Cup 2026 campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win over Yemen in their Group B opener on Thursday.
Qatar also picked up maximum points, defeating defending champions Bahrain 2-0 to signal their title ambitions.
image content
UAE 4-0 Yemen
UAE took the lead through Nicolas Gimenez in the 26th minute before Yemen defender Nader Sahal turned Marcus Meloni's cross into his own net 10 minutes later.

Luan Pereira added a third in first-half stoppage time with Gimenez striking again seven minutes after the restart to complete a commanding victory.
image content
Qatar 2-0 Bahrain
Qatar, meanwhile, had to wait until the 61st minute to break the deadlock against Bahrain, with Boualem Khoukhi putting Julen Lopetegui's side ahead.

Qatar were reduced to 10 men when Ahmed Fathi received his second yellow card nine minutes later, but Bahrain were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, with Hassan Al Haydos converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal the victory.
image content
UAE will next face Bahrain on Sunday, while Qatar take on Yemen, with both sides looking to build on their winning starts.

Photos: Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Related News

  1. Group A: Saudi Arabia snatch win; Iraq, Oman share points
    Gulf Cup

    Group A: Saudi Arabia snatch win; Iraq, Oman share points

  2. Emphatic victories for China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan
    International Friendlies

    Emphatic victories for China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan

  3. Div 2: Laos, Myanmar enjoy flying starts
    FIFA ASEAN Cup

    Div 2: Laos, Myanmar enjoy flying starts

  4. Record 76 match officials confirmed for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™
    Referees

    Record 76 match officials confirmed for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

  5. DPR Korea determined to retain title, says Choe
    FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

    DPR Korea determined to retain title, says Choe

Item 1 of 5