Gulf Cup 2026 results: Day 2 of the Gulf Cup saw action from Group B. UAE took on Yemen, and Asian Cup champions Qatar played defending Gulf Cup champions Bahrain.
UAE 4-0 Yemen
UAE got off to a perfect start in their Gulf Cup campaign with a convincing win over Yemen. The win means former Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has begun life in his new role in thumping fashion.
The Emirati side asserted their dominance early on with Nicolas Gimenez looking sharp. And it was the 30-year-old attacking midfielder who put them ahead in the 26th minute. He received a pass from Bruno Conceicao inside the box, and he made a sharp turn to leave the Yemen defence gaping before scoring with a high left-footed finish past Mohammed Khairalah.
There was no let-up from Al-Abyad, and 10 minutes later they doubled their advantage. Right-back Marcus Meloni played a teasing low cross from the right, and Yemen defender Nader Sahal turned the ball into his own net. With half-time nearing, Dalic’s side made sure to end the game effectively as a contest.
Centre-back Alaeddine Zouhir played a neat one-two on the right-hand side before crossing the ball across the opposition’s defence. His pass found winger Luanzinho, who was in position to slot home a third goal for his team.
The second half began in much of the same vein with UAE dominating possession and controlling the game. It took Gimenez just six minutes after the interval to score his brace and his side’s fourth goal.
He rose highest to meet Meloni’s cross and his header beat the goalkeeper to put the result beyond any doubt. Yemen struggled to get going with only two shots to show for their efforts and none of them on target. For Dalic and UAE, this win lays down a marker as they look to add a third Gulf Cup title.
Qatar 2-0 Bahrain
Qatar beat defending champions Bahrain in Group B to start their Gulf Cup campaign on a winning note. The match ended with both teams down to 10 men at the final whistle.
While both sides began sharply, it was Qatar who grew into the game. Almoez Ali had the chance to put his side ahead but failed to control his effort. Julen Lopetegui’s men saw more of the ball and continued to create chances but lacked a cutting edge. A neat move inside the box provided Akram Afif with a wonderful opportunity to score, but he shot well over the goal.
Bahrain remained resolute after the break, and The Maroons appeared frustrated. Midfielder Ahmed Fathi shot wide after a cutback from Al Brake. Defender Boualem Khoukhi also shot directly into the hands of Bahrain keeper Ebrahim Lutfalla. But it was Khoukhi who provided the breakthrough at the hour mark.
Afif delivered a deep free-kick into the opposition box, and Khoukhi headed past an advancing Saeed to put his side ahead. The complexion of the game then changed 10 minutes later when Fathi was sent off following a second yellow card. The Reds began to put the Qatar defence under pressure.
In the 73rd minute, Kamil Al-Aswad saw his right-footed volley from inside the penalty area go just wide of the post. Substitute Ibrahim Al Khatal also headed over from a decent chance.
Qatar had the chance to seal the points, but Yusuf Abdurisag failed to score after being put through on goal. But they finally had their second goal in stoppage time.
Hassan Al-Haydos drove across the pitch and was clear on goal before Abbas Al Asfoor brought him down in the box. Al Asfoor was shown a direct red card, and Al-Haydos dusted himself up to dispatch the resulting spot-kick to ensure Qatar got off to a winning start.
The Asian Cup champions will play Yemen on Sunday, September 27, while Bahrain take on UAE later on the same day in search of their first points.
READ MORE: Gulf Cup 2026 results: Saudi Arabia start with win, Oman hold Iraq
