Saudi Arabia Lift Gulf Cup Again After 22 Years, Beating UAE 2-0

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 6, 2026

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Saudi Arabia nearly added a third when Saleh Abu Alshamat struck the woodwork, while the UAE created opportunities of their own as they tried to get back into the contest. A penalty initially awarded to the Emiratis was overturned following a VAR review before halftime.

The UAE continued to press after the break, but goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais produced key saves to preserve Saudi Arabia's advantage. Fabio Lima hit the crossbar late in the match, but the hosts held on to complete another clean sheet and seal the championship.

Saudi Arabia had already produced a flawless group-stage campaign, beating Kuwait 1-0, Oman 3-0 and Iraq 2-0 before overcoming Qatar 3-2 on penalties in the semifinal after 120 goalless minutes.

The victory completed an unusual achievement for Georgios Donis' side: Saudi Arabia finished the entire tournament without conceding a goal. It also brought an end to a drought stretching back to their previous Gulf Cup triumph in 2004.

Tuesday's title takes Saudi Arabia's Gulf Cup tally to four, adding the 2026 crown to their previous successes in 1994, 2002 and 2004.