Saudi Arabia face Iraq as Oman chase semifinal hopes at Gulf Cup

Saudi Arabia's national football team will take on Iraq today, Tuesday, in the final Group A match of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, currently being held in Jeddah. Iraq are seeking to secure their place in the tournament's semifinals.

Saudi Arabia have already booked their spot in the semifinals after winning both of their opening matches—beating Kuwait 1-0 and Oman 3-0—to top the group with six points, two ahead of Iraq. Oman sit third with one point, while Kuwait are fourth with no points.

Iraq need only a draw to reach five points and clinch the group’s second semifinal berth, having started with a 1-1 draw against Oman before defeating Kuwait 3-2. A win over Saudi Arabia would see Iraq top the group with seven points.

While Saudi Arabia aim to maintain their perfect record and finish the group stage as leaders, reinforcing their bid for a long-awaited title, Iraq are looking to build on their strong performances in the previous rounds and secure a result that guarantees qualification. Both teams have impressed in their earlier matches.

In the other match, Oman will fight for their last chance to qualify when they face Kuwait. Oman must win to reach four points and then hope Iraq lose to Saudi Arabia, with goal difference deciding the second qualifying spot.

Oman drew 1-1 with Iraq in their opener before losing 3-0 to Saudi Arabia, while Kuwait lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia and 3-2 to Iraq, officially ending their semifinal hopes.

Oman will need a strong attacking display to score as many goals as possible and await a Saudi win, while Kuwait are seeking a morale-boosting victory to end their campaign on a positive note.

Both matches will kick off simultaneously at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums. The final group standings will be determined after the matches, with the group winner facing the runner-up of Group B in the semifinals, and the Group A runner-up meeting the Group B winner.