Money, Momentum, and a Rivalry: Saudi Arabia Set to Face Oman in the Arab Cup Opener
1 December 2025
Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the Saudi national team goalkeeper, sparked debate in the hours ahead of the opening clash with Oman in the 2025 Arab Cup. Saudi Arabia begin their campaign against their Omani rivals on Tuesday, in a group that also includes Morocco and the Comoros. During the press conference, an Omani journalist asked about spending billions without clear progress in Saudi football, prompting a strong reply from the Al-Nassr keeper: We have the money and spend it as we like, and the league has advanced a lot.
He also stated that the Saudi national team holds the greatest superiority over Oman in all meetings between the two sides, which invites us to look at their head-to-head history.
Head-to-head history between Saudi Arabia and Oman ahead of the Arab Cup
The long record shows the Green Falcons' dominance: the two nations have met 25 times, with Saudi Arabia winning 15, drawing 3, and Oman securing 7 victories. In terms of goals, Saudis have scored 39 to 18 for Oman, underscoring Saudi's attacking edge, though Oman has proven capable of surprises in big matches.
In addition to the numbers, Saudi dominance is a common thread in previous meetings, but Oman has repeatedly shown it can spring surprises when it matters most. This history reminds us that no result can be taken for granted in football, especially in a championship setting.
Thus, while Al-Aqidi’s remarks were bold, the record clearly favors the Green Falcons. Still, a tomorrow’s kickoff can rewrite any storyline, so fans should expect a competitive clash. And yes, in the spirit of light banter: if football were a chess match, Saudi would probably start with a knight, and Oman would respond with a stubborn defense that refuses to blink. As for halftime snacks, Oman fans will tell you the real victory is keeping the nachos warm for extra time.
