Al Akhdar open Gulf Cup 27 with victory over Kuwait as own goal gives Saudi Arabia group lead

24 سبتمبر 2026

9 2 دقائق

المنتخب السعودي لكرة القدم في صورة أرشيفية خلال كأس الخليج — المنتخب السعودي لكرة القدم في صورة أرشيفية من كأس الخليج 26 عام 2024. الصورة لا توثق مباراة السعودية والكويت في خليجي 27. المصدر/الحقوق: رابطة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين (SPL).

The Saudi national team began its campaign in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup with a valuable 1-0 victory over Kuwait on Wednesday evening, September 23, 2026, at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. The win gave Al Akhdar its first three points and put it top of Group A as the tournament hosted by the Kingdom got underway.

The only goal of the match came in the 73rd minute when Hummam Al-Hammami moved down the left and sent the ball into the penalty area. Kuwaiti defender Youssef Al-Haqan attempted to clear it with his head, but the ball changed direction and ended up in his team’s net. Saudi Arabia thus settled a traditional Gulf clash that remained evenly balanced on the scoreboard despite Al Akhdar’s attacking superiority for long periods.

Saudi pressure and disallowed goal before the break

Saudi Arabia entered the match with clear attacking intent, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan came close to opening the scoring early, while Kuwaiti goalkeeper Saud Al-Hoshan saved a dangerous attempt from Hassan Kadesh. In the 37th minute, the ball reached Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, who found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a review because of an infringement preceding the goal.

Saudi pressure continued after the break as the team tried to open spaces in Kuwait’s defense, before the decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute. After the goal, Al Akhdar held on to its lead until the final whistle, despite being forced to make a change in goal when Nawaf Al-Aqidi was replaced by Mohammed Al-Owais in the 83rd minute.

Saudi Arabia top Group A

The victory took Saudi Arabia to three points at the top of Group A, after the other match in the same round between Iraq and Oman ended in a 1-1 draw. Al Akhdar therefore has an early advantage, while Iraq and Oman each have one point and Kuwait begins its campaign without any points.

Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman, while Group B comprises the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen. The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is being held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, 2026, with eight Gulf national teams taking part.

Next match against Oman

The Saudi team will now turn its attention to the second round, when it faces Oman on Saturday, September 26. The match carries added importance for Al Akhdar: a second victory would significantly strengthen its chances of securing an early place in the semifinals, while Oman enters the game with one point after drawing with Iraq.

Despite the positive result against Kuwait, the match showed that Saudi Arabia needs to improve its efficiency in front of goal, particularly given its numerous attacking attempts compared with the solitary goal, which came through a defensive error. At the same time, its attacking performance, possession and ability to keep the opponent under pressure provided positive signs at the start of the campaign.

Important start to a tournament on home soil

The opening victory represents an important morale boost for Saudi Arabia in a tournament being played in front of its home supporters, especially as Al Akhdar is seeking its fourth Gulf title after winning in 1994, 2002 and 2003. Leading the group from the first round also gives the team greater room to manage its next two matches against Oman and Iraq.

The tournament comes at an important stage for Saudi football, as the Kingdom is also preparing to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Gulf Cup 27 matches therefore carry competitive value beyond the tournament itself, as the coaching staff seeks to establish its squad and improve cohesion ahead of the upcoming commitments.