Saudi Arabia and Oman: A Gulf summit in the Arab Cup

The Saudi and Omani national teams will kick off their campaigns in the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar when they meet at Education City Stadium in a highly anticipated match within Group B. The group also includes Morocco and Comoros, all teams possessing the qualities to compete at this level. The match represents a true test for both Saudi Arabia and Oman at the start of their journey, as each team aspires to achieve a perfect start that will put them on the path to qualifying for the later stages of the tournament. The Saudi team carries high hopes for this edition, bolstered by its history in the competition, having previously won the title twice in 1998 and 2002. They also enter the match with high morale after securing their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – an achievement that should give the players added confidence and a strong incentive to perform at a high level. To bolster these ambitions, French coach Hervé Renard, the Saudi national team's manager, selected a strong squad featuring some of Saudi Arabia's most prominent stars. Leading the lineup is Salem Al-Dawsari, the reigning Asian Player of the Year, who forms a key attacking pillar for the team. He is joined by Saleh Abu Shamat and goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, along with other important players who contribute to the team's balance, such as Hassan Tambakti in defense and Mohammed Kanno and Abdulrahman Al-Ayoud in midfield. This strengthens the Saudi team's chances of competing strongly for the title. Meanwhile, the Omani national team, led by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, seeks to make a strong impression and continue the remarkable progress it has witnessed in recent years. The team boasts a group of young players supported by the experience of veteran players, making them a formidable opponent. Their balanced blend of the wisdom of seasoned veterans and the energy and dynamism of youthful players makes them capable of causing upsets in the tournament. Coach Queiroz will rely on a number of prominent and influential players in his squad, including top stars such as Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Harib Al-Saadi, and Mahmoud Al-Mashifri, who bear the responsibility of leading the Omani national team to a positive result. Matches between the Saudi and Omani national teams are always highly anticipated and closely contested, consistently among the most exciting encounters in the region. This is due to the long-standing and intense rivalry between the two teams at both the Gulf and Arab levels, giving the match a special character and attracting a large audience. The match will be a crucial key to a strong start in the tournament for both teams. A victory in the opening match would provide a tremendous morale boost and a powerful springboard towards topping the group. Therefore, Arab fans can expect a thrilling encounter, both tactically and technically, characterized by competitiveness and passion, in one of the most anticipated matches of the first round of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025.