Sports Saudi Arabia

Sunday, October 4, 2026

AKHBAR Editorial

Saudi Arabia Reach Gulf Cup 27 Final After Qatar Penalty Win

Lead:

The Saudi national team secured its place in the Gulf Cup 27 final following a tense semifinal against Qatar, prevailing 3-2 on penalty kicks after a draw through regulation and extra time. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was named the standout performer of the match. The UAE also qualified for the final by defeating Oman 1-0 in the other semifinal, setting up an all-Gulf showdown between the two teams.

International football continued to produce significant results during the period, with England routing Croatia 7-0 in a European Nations League fixture and South Korea claiming its fourth consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating Japan 1-0 in the football final.

Top Stories:

Saudi Arabia national team — Defeated Qatar 3-2 on penalties in the Gulf Cup 27 semifinal after regulation and extra time ended level, advancing to the championship match scheduled in Jeddah.

Mohammed Al-Owais — Named player of the match in the Saudi Arabia versus Qatar semifinal by the Gulf Football Association for his crucial goalkeeping performance throughout the encounter.

UAE national team — Qualified for the Gulf Cup 27 final by defeating Oman 1-0, setting up a matchup against Saudi Arabia as the tournament enters its climactic stage.

England national team — Delivered a dominant 7-0 victory over Croatia in a European Nations League Group A fixture played in Rijeka, showcasing commanding attacking performance.

South Korea national team — Won its fourth consecutive gold medal in Asian Games football by defeating Japan 1-0 in the final held during the twentieth Asian Games in Nagoya.

Julian Lopetegui — Qatar's coach acknowledged psychological pressure as a factor in the team's penalty shootout loss to Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup 27 semifinal.

What to Watch:

The Gulf Cup 27 final between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will determine the championship, with the Saudi side seeking to capitalize on home advantage and momentum from their semifinal victory.

International football will continue through European Nations League fixtures and remaining Asian Games competitions concluding in Nagoya.

Saudi Arabia Brief