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Rabat – Saudi Arabia begins its FIFA Arab Cup 2025 campaign today against Oman in Group B. The Green Falcons come in with momentum after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
They won the Arab Cup twice (1998 and 2002) and are aiming to end a 23-year wait for another title.
Coach Herve Renard is back for a second spell and has named a strong squad, led by Asian Player of the Year Salem Al-Dawsari.
Saudi Arabia didn’t make it past the group stage in the 2021 edition and will want a better start this time, especially with tough games ahead against Morocco and Comoros.
Oman reached the group stage by beating Somalia on penalties after a goalless draw. This is their first Group B match.
Match Details
- Fixture: Saudi Arabia vs Oman
- Competition: FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 (Group B – Matchday 1)
- Venue: Education City Stadium, Al-Rayyan (Qatar)
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. (GMT+1) / 8:00 p.m. Mecca time (GMT+3)
- How to Watch: Free-to-air on beIN Sports, Al Kass Sports, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports, KSA Sports, Oman Sports, and other regional channels.
Saudi Arabia Team News
Absences/Returns: Saudi Arabia have brought a strong squad to Qatar, unlike some teams using reserves. A few veterans are missing, including former captain Salman Al-Faraj, who is still recovering from injuries. Most of the 2022 World Cup core is present.
Coach Herve Renard had a short training camp during the Saudi Pro League break, but preparation time was limited after qualifiers. The team played friendlies, beating Ivory Coast 1-0 but losing 2-0 to Algeria.
Key Players: The squad mixes experience and youth. Salem Al-Dawsari, Asia’s Player of the Year, leads the attack with creativity. Mohamed Kanno anchors the midfield with energy and passing.
Defender Hassan Al-Tambakti will organize the backline after a strong domestic season. Striker Firas Al-Buraikan, with 13 international goals, is expected to lead the front line, supported by veteran Saleh Al-Shehri.
Saudi Arabia have quality across the pitch, mostly drawn from their strong domestic league.
Predicted lineup (Saudi Arabia): N. Al-Aqidi (GK); Ali Majrashi, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Nawaf Boushal; Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibari; Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Musab Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari; Firas Al-Buraikan.
Oman Team News
Absences/Returns: Oman have no major injury problems and will use most of the squad that qualified last week.
They beat Somalia on penalties in a tense play-off and had little time to regroup. Coach Carlos Queiroz noted the short preparation, but the team is settled, with many players from recent Gulf Cup and Asian qualifiers.
The team held a short camp and played two warm-ups: a 0-0 draw with Somalia and a 2-0 win over Sudan.
Key Players: Midfielder Harib Al-Saadi, with more than 110+ caps, is vital for breaking up attacks and organizing play.
Abdullah Fawaz (29) adds creativity with seven goals, while Salaah Al-Yahyaei (27) drives forward and has nine goals.
Oman’s main strength lies in team cohesion and discipline under Queiroz, rather than individual stars.
Predicted lineup (Oman): Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini (GK); Thani Al-Rushaidi, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Mahmood Al-Mushaifri, Ali Al-Busaidi (c); Harib Al-Saadi, Abdullah Fawaz; Zahir Al-Aghbari, Salaah Al-Yahyaei, Jameel Al-Yahmadi; Issam Al-Sabhi.
What to Expect
Saudi Arabia are expected to start aggressively. Even though this squad is called a “B” team, it has plenty of quality and should control possession. Coach Herve Renard will likely use an attacking 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, pressing high to keep Oman pinned back.
Renard will manage the game carefully, avoiding risky over-commitment. If Saudi Arabia builds a comfortable lead, he may rotate players in the second half.
Oman are expected to defend deep and counter. Coach Carlos Queiroz is known for disciplined setups, so a compact 4-5-1 is likely.
Oman can play with less pressure, relying on goalkeeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini and defensive organization to frustrate Saudi.
Saudi Arabia’s stronger squad and deeper bench should make the difference. Oman may resist for long spells, but Saudi Arabia’s quality is expected to secure the win
Safe Bets & Prediction:
- Both Teams to Score: Unlikely – Saudi’s defense is strong, and Oman will focus on defending, so a clean sheet is expected.
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 is possible – Oman’s organized play may keep the score low, and Saudi Arabia haven’t been scoring heavily.
- Al-Buraikan to Score: Likely –
- Saudi Arabia to Win: Very likely – The Green Falcons are clear favorites. Anything less than a win would be a major setback.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-0 Oman.
