Saudi Arabia climb FIFA rankings after Gulf Cup 27 triumph over Tunisia

Saudi Arabia have moved up three places to 55th in the latest FIFA world rankings after winning the Arabian Gulf Cup 27, overtaking Tunisia in the process.

The Saudi team secured the title on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. The tournament was included in FIFA’s official international calendar for the first time.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah, the success has lifted Saudi Arabia from 58th to 55th in the monthly rankings. They remain fifth among Asian nations, behind Japan, Iran, Australia and South Korea.

Saudi Arabia won four matches during the competition. They defeated Kuwait, Oman and Iraq in the group stage before overcoming the UAE in the final. Their other result was a draw against Qatar, whom they then beat on penalties in the semi-final.

The improved ranking saw Saudi Arabia move above several teams, most notably Tunisia. The North African side had been 57th in the world but dropped four places to 61st.

Saudi Arabia also opened up a bigger gap over Qatar. Qatar had occupied 59th place but fell to 60th, leaving them five places behind Saudi Arabia instead of just one.

The Arabian Gulf Cup title was Saudi Arabia’s first in 23 years. Their previous triumph came in 2003, when they also won the Arabian Gulf Cup.

The victory over the UAE therefore delivered both the trophy and a significant improvement in Saudi Arabia’s position in the global rankings.