League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Gulf nations Qatar and Saudi Arabia exit World Cup in group stage

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 7:59 PM

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Gulf nations Qatar and Saudi Arabia exit World Cup in group stage

Summary

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been eliminated from the World Cup after disappointing performances. Saudi Arabia finished last in its group, including a goalless draw against Cape Verde, while Qatar secured its first World Cup point with a late equalizer against Switzerland but also exited early. Both teams' struggles highlight the gap between investment in soccer and success on the international stage. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the World Cup in 2034, it aims to develop homegrown talent while facing criticism for past underwhelming results.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Saudi Arabia placed bottom of its group, failing to advance.
•Qatar earned its first World Cup point with a late goal against Switzerland.
•Both nations exited early, contrasting with African teams' success.
•Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its national team's performance before 2034.
•Investment in homegrown talent is a focus for both nations moving forward.

Latest Updates

7:59 PMYahoo Sports — Money can't buy success in World Cup for gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar

What they're saying

"
Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport's biggest stage. Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Bottom of a group that included tiny Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation ever to compete on this stage and into the knockouts for the first time.
— Yahoo Sportsby JAMES ROBSON

Related Teams & Leagues

Real Madrid Atletico Madrid LaLiga Soccer