We review the date of the Saudi Arabia vs. UAE match for the third and fourth place playoff in the eleventh edition of the Arab Cup “FIFA Qatar 2025”.
Both teams enter the match with similar motivations, having been eliminated in the semi-finals. Each is looking to secure a morale-boosting win that guarantees a higher position on the final standings, concluding a tournament that has seen strong competition and closely matched technical levels among the participating teams.
Date of the Saudi Arabia vs. UAE match for third place in the Arab Cup
The Saudi Arabia vs. UAE match in the 2025 Arab Cup will be held today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Khalifa International Stadium.
The match kicks off at 2:00 PM (14:00) Saudi time, 3:00 PM (15:00) UAE time.
Free-to-air channels broadcasting the Saudi Arabia vs. UAE match live
beIN Sports
Al Kass Qatar Channels
Saudi Sports Channel
Dubai Sports Channel
Abu Dhabi Sports Channel
Amman Sports Channel
The match can also be followed online.
The Saudi national team, winner of the Arab Cup twice in 1998 and 2002, had aspired to return to the final and compete for the title. However, their journey was halted in the semi-finals following a 1-0 loss to the Jordanian national team in a match characterized by parity and tactical caution.
In the group stage, the Saudi team finished second in Group 2 with 6 points, after securing two victories: a 2-1 win over Oman in the first round and a 3-1 win over Comoros in the second round, before suffering a 1-0 loss to the Moroccan team in the third round.
“Al-Akhdar” (The Green) continued its journey in the tournament by overcoming the Palestinian team 2-1 in the quarter-finals after extra time, in the match held at Lusail Stadium.
On the other side, the UAE national team seeks to end its participation in the tournament by securing third place, after losing in the semi-finals to the Moroccan team 3-0, in a match where “Al-Abyad” (The White) was unable to match the opponent’s strong attacking pace.
The UAE team achieved one of the tournament’s most notable upsets in the quarter-finals, dethroning the defending champion, the Algerian team, 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, boosting its credentials as a strong contender for the title before losing to the Moroccan team in the semi-finals.
The encounter carries a special significance due to the historical rivalry between the two teams, with each side seeking to assert its superiority and end the tournament on a positive note. The match is expected to be highly competitive, with a clear desire from both sides to secure a win, despite being out of the title race.
Probable Saudi Arabia lineup against UAE
Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Ali Majrashi, Abdulilah Al-Amri, Hassan Tambakti, Nawaf Boushal, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno, Saleh Abulshamat, Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Buraikan.
Probable UAE lineup against Saudi Arabia
Hamad Al-Mqbali, Robin Philip Canedo, Lucas Pimenta, Sasha Ivkovic, Marcos Milonni, Majed Rashid, Nicolas Gimenez, Yahya Al-Ghassani, Ali Saleh, Caio Lucas, Bruno Oliveira.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern nation and the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. It was founded in its modern form in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, unifying various tribes and regions under a single monarchy. The country’s history and culture are deeply intertwined with its vast oil reserves, discovered in 1938, which transformed its economy and global influence.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, established in 1971 following the end of British protection. Historically a region of pearl diving and trade, it has rapidly transformed into a global hub known for its modern architecture, such as the Burj Khalifa, and its significant cultural sites, including historic forts and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Arab Cup
The Arab Cup is a regional international football tournament contested by men’s national teams from the Arab world. Organized by FIFA and the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), its first edition was held in 1963, though it has been held irregularly throughout its history. The competition serves to promote football and cultural exchange among Arab nations.
FIFA Qatar 2025
“FIFA Qatar 2025” is not an official or confirmed event. The most recent major FIFA tournament hosted by Qatar was the FIFA World Cup 2022, which was the first World Cup held in the Middle East. There is no scheduled FIFA World Cup for 2025, as the next men’s edition is set for 2026 in North America.
Khalifa International Stadium
Khalifa International Stadium is a major sports venue in Doha, Qatar, originally opened in 1976 and extensively renovated for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is named after Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, a former Emir of Qatar, and is notable for its iconic dual arches and cooling technology.
beIN Sports
beIN Sports is a global network of sports channels owned by the media group beIN Media Group, which is based in Qatar. It was launched in 2012, expanding from the Al Jazeera Sports network, and has since become a major international broadcaster, securing rights to premier sporting events like football’s FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Al Kass Qatar Channels
Al Kass Qatar Channels is a group of sports television channels based in Qatar, primarily focused on broadcasting football and other major sporting events across the Middle East and North Africa. Launched in the mid-2000s, it is owned by the Al Kass Media Group and has become particularly known for its extensive coverage of prestigious tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and major European football leagues.
Saudi Sports Channel
The Saudi Sports Channel is a state-owned television network launched in 2002, dedicated to broadcasting a wide range of domestic and international sporting events. It was established as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote sports culture and provide comprehensive coverage for fans across the kingdom.
Dubai Sports Channel
The Dubai Sports Channel is a prominent television network launched in 1996, dedicated to broadcasting a wide range of local and international sporting events. It is a key part of Dubai Media Incorporated and has played a significant role in promoting sports culture and major competitions across the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi Sports Channel
The Abu Dhabi Sports Channel is a prominent television network in the United Arab Emirates, launched in 1996. It is dedicated to broadcasting a wide range of domestic and international sporting events, playing a key role in the region’s sports media landscape.
Amman Sports Channel
Amman Sports Channel is a Jordanian television network founded in 2007, dedicated to broadcasting local and international sporting events. It is known for its coverage of popular sports in the region, particularly football, and has become a significant platform for sports media in Jordan and the wider Arab world.
Jordan
Jordan is a Middle Eastern country with a rich historical legacy, home to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. It also contains significant biblical sites and the well-preserved Roman ruins at Jerash, reflecting its position at the crossroads of ancient civilizations.
Oman
Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula with a rich maritime history as a powerful trading empire. Its historical and cultural identity is deeply tied to its role in the frankincense trade and its legacy of seafaring, with landmarks like the ancient Bahla Fort and the bustling Mutrah Souq reflecting its heritage.
Comoros
The Comoros is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with a history shaped by a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Its cultural sites include historic medinas and mosques, reflecting its legacy as part of Swahili trade routes and later French colonization before independence in 1975.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Islamic, and Amazigh heritage. The country’s historic medinas, kasbahs, and varied landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains are central to its identity.
Palestine
Palestine is a historical and cultural region in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a deeply layered history of Canaanite, Israelite, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman rule. It is central to the Abrahamic faiths and is the homeland of the Palestinian people, whose modern national identity formed amidst the 20th-century Arab-Israeli conflict over territory and statehood.
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries as part of the Ottoman Empire before becoming a French colony in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1962 after a protracted war of liberation, and its cultural heritage includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Roman ruins of Timgad and the historic Casbah of Algiers.
Lusail Stadium
Lusail Stadium is a football venue in Qatar that was the primary stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, hosting the final match. It was built as a centerpiece for the tournament and is located in the newly developed city of Lusail, north of Doha.
