At King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia beat the UAE 2-0 in the Gulf Cup 27 final on 6 October 2026. Reuters reported a crowd of 62,827. UAE Football Association chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated the winners and praised the Gulf Football Federation's tournament organisation.
Hamdan linked the UAE's football development to sustained support from the country's leadership.
Saudi Arabia's win was its fourth Gulf Cup title and its first since 2004, ending a 22-year wait for another championship.
Thanks to the UAE football community
The UAE Football Association thanked clubs and national media for backing the team. It also recognised supporters and partners, along with sponsors and businesspeople.
Khaleeji 27 took place in Jeddah from 23 September to 6 October 2026. After the final, the local organising committee said its organisational and operational work was complete and noted its cooperation with the Gulf Football Federation.
Recognition for Gulf Cup 27
Hamdan congratulated Saudi Arabia on the title and praised the Gulf Football Federation for delivering the competition. FIFA reported that Saudi Arabia kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament. Hammam Al-Hammami and Firas Al-Buraikan scored in the final.
Saudi Arabia reached the final by beating Qatar on penalties after a goalless semi-final.
Before the final, the Gulf Football Federation announced a special award named after Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz for Khaleeji 27's best player. The winner was due to be announced at the champions' awards ceremony, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
