Abu Al-Shamat brothers make Saudi Arabia history in Gulf Cup starting line-up

Saudi Arabia have named brothers Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat in their starting XI for the opening match of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, marking the first such occurrence for the national team in 14 years.

Saudi Arabia face Kuwait on Wednesday at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in their opening Group B fixture.

Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, the Al-Qadsiah full-back, starts on the right wing, while Al-Ahli player Saleh Abu Al-Shamat operates as the playmaker.

According to Saudi channel Al Arabiya, the brothers are the first pair of siblings to start together for Saudi Arabia since 11 September 2012.

On that occasion, brothers Mutaz Al-Mousa and Kamel Al-Mousa were selected by Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard for a friendly against Gabon. Saudi Arabia lost the match 1-0.

The history of the Saudi national team includes 16 previous occasions when two or more brothers have represented the side, according to the same report.

Saleh Abu Al-Shamat was the first of the two brothers to receive a call-up to the Saudi Arabia squad, under French manager Herve Renard. However, Donis later left him out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, selecting his brother Mohammed instead.