Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
Arabian Gulf Cup
On September 23, 2026, the national teams of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will meet in the first round of the Gulf Cup. The hosts will be looking to launch their campaign with a convincing victory.
Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait: team news and expert analysis
Saudi Arabia have once again qualified for the World Cup. They made a fairly respectable impression there: yes, they once again failed to reach the playoffs, but they held both experienced Uruguay and debutants Cape Verde to draws, losing only to future champions Spain, and even then by a 0-4 scoreline. As a result, Donis kept his job, but he understands that a victory is now expected from him and his players.
Kuwait were once again far from impressive in World Cup qualifying, losing half of their matches while recording just a couple of wins. Then, at the Arab Cup, they opened with a victory over Mauritania but followed it up with a draw against Egypt and two defeats. This year, their only result was a 2-2 draw with Thailand in June.
In their most recent matches, the tournament hosts have averaged 0.6 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Their neighbors have conceded even more than they have scored, with 1.9 goals allowed per match compared with 1.5 scored.
Previous matches: Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait
The teams are level across their last six head-to-head meetings, with three wins apiece. However, they have not faced each other since 2021.
It is time for Saudi Arabia to take the lead in this rivalry. We are backing them to win (odds – 1.68).
Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait: key statistics and trends
- Saudi Arabia have drawn three of their last four matches
- 30% of Saudi Arabia's matches end with both teams scoring, while the average total is 2.0 goals per game
- Kuwait are winless in four consecutive matches
- 70% of Kuwait's matches end with both teams scoring, while the average total is 3.4 goals per game
Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait: possible starting lineups
Saudi Arabia are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-2 formation: Al-Owais - Bushal, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Abdelhamid - Al-Dawsari, Al-Dawsari, Al-Khaibari, Mendash - Kanno, Al-Buraikan
Kuwait are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-2 formation: Al-Rashidi - Al-Dhafiri, Al-Fadhli, Al-Dawsari, Al-Hakan - Daham, Faleh, Al-Mershed, Majed - Al-Salman, Al-Mutar
Follow the Gulf Cup standings and check your team's current form before betting on the next match
