FIFA President attended the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup final with the host Saudis beating the United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia claimed the regional crown for a fourth time while preparing to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2034™
Mr Infantino also met with participating FIFA Member Association (MA) representatives while visiting Jeddah
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has lauded both the quality of competition and the colourful atmosphere in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia following the dramatic conclusion to the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Host Saudi Arabia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium to claim the regional crown for the first time since 2004, with the closely-contested match representing a fitting conclusion to a balanced and unpredictable tournament, while the electric setting was a tantalising appetiser for major events to come.
“Congratulations, Saudi Arabia, Alf Mabrook, for winning this Arabian Gulf Cup here in Jeddah today. A great final, a great game, great hosts as well, Saudi Arabia. Congratulations also to the (United Arab Emirates) who [had] a very strong [performance],” Mr Infantino said shortly after the Green Falcons lifted the trophy for the fourth time in their decorated history.
“But these fans here, incredible,” the FIFA President emphasised. “Incredible, the passion in Saudi Arabia. A promise as well for the Asian Cup and the (FIFA) World Cup 2034. Stay tuned!”
Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be played next January and February, and then the FIFA World Cup 2034™ in just eight years’ time.
The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup proved to be both a successful dress rehearsal and a compelling competition in its own right. Featuring the eight members of the Gulf Football Federation, an independent regional body established in 2016, the tournament was founded back in 1970 and has been contested on a mostly-biennial basis since.
Bahrain entered this year’s edition as holders but exited the group stage with three defeats in three matches, highlighting the parity and fine margins that characterise football across the region. Record champion Kuwait (10 titles) also finished bottom of their group. In the knockouts, the Saudis outlasted reigning Asian Cup champion Qatar on penalties in one semi-final, while the UAE defeated Oman 1-0 in the other.
That competitive trend continued into the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, one of two Jeddah grounds that hosted the tournament. The UAE outshot the hosts, but first-half goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Feras Al-Buraikan were enough to lift Saudi Arabia to victory.
Anchored by veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, the Saudi defence did not concede a single goal during the tournament. Al-Owais, who started for the Green Falcons at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, made four saves in the final.
The FIFA President’s trip to Jeddah also afforded him the opportunity to meet with representatives from the FIFA Member Associations (MAs) involved.
“I was delighted to meet and interact with Presidents, General Secretaries, FIFA Council Members and colleagues from the Gulf region,” Mr Infantino said. “Our conversations revolved around creating opportunities for the youth and exploring avenues to make football even more accessible for everyone, everywhere. I thank all dignitaries for their collaborative spirit and support - FIFA will continue working with all of you to help young girls and boys realise their football dreams.”