Saudi veterans reach 2026 Gulf Cup final after penalty shootout win

Saudi Arabia's veterans football team has reached the final of the 2026 Gulf Cup for Veterans after defeating Bahrain 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regular time in their semifinal clash at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Sunday.

Saleh Al-Ghwinem opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 26th minute, before Bahrain equalized deep into stoppage time at 90+3 minutes through an own goal by Saudi defender Mishaal Al-Saeed, sending the match to penalties.

With the win, Saudi Arabia secured a place in the final, where they will face Iraq, who defeated Qatar 4-0 in the other semifinal.