The third-place play-off of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 pits Saudi Arabia against the United Arab Emirates in a Gulf derby with pride on the line. Both teams suffered painful semi-final defeats on December 15 Saudi Arabia fell narrowly to Jordan, while the UAE were outclassed by Morocco and now seek consolation bronze at the Khalifa International Stadium.
This encounter kicks off at 11:00 GMT+0 on December 18, 2025, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar (capacity: 45,857). Chilean referee Cristian Garay oversees the match in this knockout stage of the tournament hosted by Qatar. Neutral venue ensures no true home advantage, but the short recovery time after semis could impact fatigue levels.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This third-place play-off often produces open, attacking football as teams chase a positive end to their campaign without final pressure. Recent form shows vulnerabilities in both defenses during knockouts, suggesting goals are likely. Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates prediction today points toward a competitive encounter where motivation for bronze could override tiredness. Historical Gulf rivalries add intensity, and both sides have quality attackers capable of exploiting tired legs. Expect rotations but still enough firepower for an entertaining clash.
Saudi Arabia Results
Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals with a strong group stage in Group B, finishing second behind Morocco, before a quarter-final win and semi-final loss. The Green Falcons displayed resilience but struggled against disciplined sides in the latter stages.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15.12.25 | ARC Semi | Saudi Arabia vs Jordan | 0-1 | L |
| 11.12.25 | ARC QF | Palestine vs Saudi Arabia | 1-2 | W |
| 08.12.25 | ARC | Morocco vs Saudi Arabia | 1-0 | L |
| 05.12.25 | ARC | Comoros vs Saudi Arabia | 1-3 | W |
| 02.12.25 | ARC | Saudi Arabia vs Oman | 2-1 | W |
Saudi Arabia won three of their five tournament games, scoring effectively in group matches but managing only two goals in knockouts. Defensive solidity held in wins, yet they conceded in four outings and failed to score in the semi-final. The loss to Jordan highlighted finishing issues under pressure, while victories over weaker sides showed clinical edge. Overall, form dipped in high-stakes games.
United Arab Emirates Results
The UAE progressed from Group C, knocking out champions Algeria in quarters before a heavy semi defeat. They mixed solid wins with struggles against top opposition.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15.12.25 | ARC Semi | Morocco vs United Arab Emirates | 3-0 | L |
| 12.12.25 | ARC QF | Algeria vs United Arab Emirates | 1-2 | W |
| 09.12.25 | ARC | United Arab Emirates vs Kuwait | 3-1 | W |
| 06.12.25 | ARC | United Arab Emirates vs Egypt | 1-1 | D |
| 03.12.25 | ARC | Jordan vs United Arab Emirates | 2-1 | L |
The UAE secured two wins and a draw in five games, with their quarter-final upset over Algeria as highlight. They scored consistently early but collapsed defensively against Morocco. Wins came against lower-ranked teams, while losses exposed vulnerabilities to pressing sides. Resilience in penalties helped progression, but the semi thrashing revealed gaps.
Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates Head-to-Head
Historical encounters between these Gulf neighbors are tightly contested, with Saudi Arabia holding a slight edge overall but recent games showing balance.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 21.03.19 | FI | United Arab Emirates vs Saudi Arabia | 2-1 |
| 25.12.17 | AGC | United Arab Emirates vs Saudi Arabia | 0-0 |
| 29.08.17 | WC | United Arab Emirates vs Saudi Arabia | 2-1 |
| 11.10.16 | WC | Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates | 3-0 |
| 29.03.16 | WC | United Arab Emirates vs Saudi Arabia | 1-1 |
Saudi Arabia won once in the last five, with UAE taking two victories and two draws. Goals remain low in qualifiers, but friendlies vary. No clear dominance exists recently, setting up a unpredictable bronze match.
Predicted Starting Lineups: Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates
Lineups will be officially confirmed roughly one hour before kick-off, but below are the most probable starting XIs based on the teams’ selections in the semi-finals, latest training reports and current injury situation as of 16 December 2025.
Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup
Mohammed Al Owais (GK), Yasser Al Shahrani (DF), Ali Al Bulayhi (DF), Saud Abdulhamid (DF), Abdulelah Al-Amri (DF), Salman Al Faraj (MF), Abdullah Otayf (MF), Mohammed Kanno (MF), Salem Al Dawsari (FW), Saleh Al Shehri (FW), Firas Al Buraikan (FW)
United Arab Emirates possible starting lineup
Ali Al Meqbaali (GK) Bandar Al Ahbabi (DF), Walid Abbas (DF), Mohammed Al Menhali (DF), Mahmoud Khamis (DF), Ali Salmeen (MF), Abdullah Ramadan (MF), Khalfan Mubarak (MF), Caio Canedo (FW), Ali Mabkhout (FW), Yahya Al Ghassani (FW)
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams enter with semi-final disappointments, but several elements could decide the third-place outcome in this neutral-venue clash.
Saudi Arabia and UAE wrap their tournaments here, with pride and momentum for future qualifiers at stake. Short recovery from December 15 semis risks fatigue, especially in Qatar’s heat.
- Saudi Arabia boast no major reported injuries post-semi, allowing near full-strength squad including key attackers like Feras Al-Buraikan;
- UAE continue missing influential players Fabio Lima and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, weakening attack and defense;
- Saudi form mixed: strong group wins but blunt in semi; they thrive on transitions;
- UAE showed upset potential (beating Algeria) but crumbled heavily against Morocco’s press;
- Both on losing streaks into this game Saudi winless in one, UAE after heavy defeat;
- Gulf derbies often deliver cards and intensity despite play-off status;
- Neutral Khalifa Stadium favors attackers if legs tire late;
- Referee Cristian Garay known for balanced card distribution in internationals;
- Motivation high for bronze medal and positive tournament end.
Free Tips on Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates
For the third-place play-off in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, these free betting tips draw directly from historical statistics, recent match data, and head-to-head trends between the two sides. Analyzing past encounters and tournament performances helps identify patterns in productivity, defensive solidity, and potential advantages. This neutral-venue clash at Khalifa International Stadium offers unique insights beyond standard form.
- Head-to-Head Goal Trends: The last five meetings averaged under 2 goals per game, with three ending 2-1 or lower favor under 2.5 goals if defenses hold as in qualifiers.
- Recent Schedule Fatigue: Both teams played demanding semi-finals just three days ago (December 15), increasing risks of late-game errors or reduced intensity in this short-recovery bronze match.
- Referee Card Average: Chilean official Cristian Garay averages over 4 yellow cards per game across his career, suggesting over 4.5 cards could offer value in a heated Gulf derby.
- Pitch Surface Consistency: Khalifa International Stadium features high-quality natural grass, well-maintained for smooth passing benefiting technical sides like Saudi Arabia over disruptive styles.
- Weather and Conditions: Mild December weather in Qatar (around 20-25°C, low humidity) with stadium cooling ensures optimal pace, unlikely to slow play or favor physical over technical football.
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Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates Match Prediction 2025
In this third-place play-off, Saudi Arabia hold the edge due to superior squad depth and fewer absences. The Green Falcons demonstrated better consistency throughout, reaching the semi with win over solid opposition, while UAE relied on an upset but were exposed defensively against elite sides. Historical balance exists, but Saudi’s attacking options should exploit UAE’s injury-hit lineup. Expect an open game with both seeking goals for pride Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates odds reflect a slight favor toward the Green Falcons around 2.10 for victory, offering value given form. Fatigue may lead to errors, but Saudi’s resilience tips the scale. Predicted outcome: Saudi Arabia wins 2-1, claiming bronze with late clinical finishing.
Our Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-1 United Arab Emirates
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Saudi Arabia to Win | 2.08 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 2.16 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.91 |
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