Gulf Cup 27: Iraq and Oman face rare draw to decide semi-final place

The second semi-finalist from Group A at the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, Gulf Cup 27, will be decided by a draw after Iraq and Oman finished level on every available tie-breaker.

Saudi Arabia topped the group with nine points after beating Iraq 2-0 on Tuesday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah in the final round of the group stage.

At the same time, Oman produced a late comeback against Kuwait, overturning a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The result left Oman and Iraq tied on four points, with neither side holding an advantage in the head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored or disciplinary record.

Iraq and Oman drew 1-1 in their opening match. Both teams scored four goals and conceded five, while each collected eight yellow cards. Neither team received a red card during the group stage.

Oman’s players celebrated reaching the semi-finals after their victory over Kuwait, despite the two teams being completely level under the competition’s existing criteria.

The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Gulf Cup Football Federation would hold a draw shortly at a hotel in Jeddah to determine whether Iraq or Oman would progress.

It would be a rare example in football of a group-stage qualification place being settled by a random draw. Although such a provision exists in the regulations of many competitions, it is seldom required in practice.

An alert published by Asharq Al-Awsat Sports on 29 September 2026 said: “Sources at Asharq Al-Awsat: A draw between Iraq and Oman to decide the semi-finalist in the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament, Gulf Cup 27, will take place shortly at the InterContinental Hotel in Jeddah, following Oman’s 3-1 victory over Kuwait and Iraq’s 2-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi Arabia’s win over Iraq meant they finished first in Group A with a perfect record of three victories. Iraq’s defeat left them waiting for the draw despite having matched Oman in points, results, goals and disciplinary figures.

The draw was due to take place at the InterContinental Hotel in Jeddah, with the winner joining Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals.