Iraq crashes out of Arabian Gulf Cup after 3-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia

NEWSROOM— Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 3-1 in a crucial Group Stage match at the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on Saturday, securing their place in the semi-finals. With this defeat, Iraq’s defense of the Cup has been cut short.

Saudi Arabia topped Group B with six points, edging ahead of Bahrain on goal difference. Iraq, the defending champions, finished third with three points while Yemen ended at the bottom of the group standings.

The match began with limited scoring opportunities. Saudi Arabia broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when captain Salem Al-Dawsari converted a penalty kick.

Iraq responded eight minutes later through Mohanad Ali. However, in the final stages of the match, substitute Abdullah Al-Hamdan became the decisive figure. He restored Saudi Arabia’s lead in the 81st minute with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area.

Five minutes later, Al-Hamdan scored his second goal, securing Saudi Arabia’s victory and their progression to the semi-finals, joining Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

In their previous match during the 25th Gulf Cup in 2023, Iraq emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Iraq has won the Arabian Gulf Cup four times—in 1979, 1984, 1988, and most recently in 2023. The team has also finished as runners-up twice, in 1976 and 2013.