Doha, Qatar – Saudi Arabia secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2026 on Friday with a decisive 3-1 victory over Comoros. Playing at Al Bayt Stadium, the Green Falcons demonstrated their dominance in Group B, becoming the first team to qualify with a game to spare. The result highlights Saudi Arabia’s strong form in the Arab Cup and positions them as a favorite to advance further in the tournament.
The win, watched by over 32,000 spectators, ended Comoros’ hopes of qualification and sets up a potentially pivotal clash between Saudi Arabia and Morocco to determine the group winner. Mohamed Kanno scored twice, with captain Salem Al Dawsari also finding the net, proving crucial to the team’s success. This marks a significant step for Saudi Arabia as they prepare for future international competitions.
Saudi Arabia Advances in the Arab Cup
Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in first-half stoppage time, expertly converting a header from a precise cross delivered by Salem Al Dawsari. This goal established momentum for the Green Falcons and signaled their intent to control the match. The Saudi team continued to press, demonstrating a cohesive attacking strategy.
Kanno then extended the lead in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack and finishing with a sharp right-footed shot. Al Dawsari again played a key role, providing the assist and showcasing his leadership qualities. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Comoros managed to pull one back in the 63rd minute through Ibroihim Youssouf, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. However, Saudi Arabia quickly quelled any resurgence, with Al Dawsari scoring a well-placed third goal in the 76th minute. This solidified the victory and confirmed their quarter-final berth.
Group B Standings and Implications
With two wins in as many matches, Saudi Arabia currently tops Group B with six points. Morocco follows in second place with four points, having secured a win and a draw. Oman has earned one point from their two games, while Comoros remains at the bottom with no points.
The result effectively eliminates Comoros from contention, leaving Morocco and Oman to battle for the remaining qualification spot. According to FIFA, the top two teams from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages.
The tournament serves as an important preparation ground for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Qatar will host alongside the United States and Mexico. The Arab Cup provides valuable competitive experience for teams from the region, allowing them to test their strategies and player combinations.
Saudi Arabia’s strong performance in this year’s competition is a continuation of their recent improvements in international football. The team has been investing heavily in developing its domestic league and attracting international talent, with the aim of becoming a major force in Asian football. This tournament is providing a platform to showcase these strides.
Meanwhile, the Comoros national team, while eliminated, gained valuable experience competing at this level. Their participation in the FIFA tournament demonstrates the growing commitment to football development across the Arab region.
Saudi Arabia will conclude their Group B campaign against Morocco on December 8th at Lusail Stadium. This match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for the top spot in the group. Comoros will face Oman simultaneously at Stadium 974 in a match to determine final standings, though it won’t impact qualification.
The outcome of the Saudi Arabia-Morocco match will determine which team has a more favorable draw in the quarter-finals. The performance of both teams in that encounter will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, as they assess their chances of winning the Qatar-hosted tournament. The next steps involve finalizing the quarter-final pairings based on the remaining group stage results, with the knockout phase scheduled to begin shortly after.
The football competition continues to draw significant attention, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport in the Arab world. Further analysis will focus on the tactical approaches employed by the remaining teams and the potential for upsets as the tournament progresses.
Learn more about the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2026.
Saudi Arabia National Football Team.
Comoros National Football Team.