The Saudi national football team has stood atop the podium at the Asian Cup three times (1984, 1988, and 1996), with more than a quarter-century having passed since the "Green Falcons" last claimed the title. Their 1996 final victory came against the host country, the United Arab Emirates, which they defeated 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw at the end of both regular and extra time.
On their way to their second consecutive final, having been runners-up in the 1992 edition, the Saudi team only lost one match against Iran but avenged themselves in the semi-finals.
Saudi National Team's History in the Asian Cup:
- 1984 | Champion
- 1988 | Champion
- 1992 | Runner-up
- 1996 | Champion
- 2000 | Runner-up
- 2004 | Group stage exit
- 2007 | Runner-up
- 2011 | Group stage exit
- 2015 | Group stage exit
🗓️ On this day in 1996, the Saudi national team continued its continental dominance by winning its third Asian Cup title!
Group Stage
December 5: Saudi Arabia vs Thailand (6-0)
Match goals: Khaled Al-Timaoui (10 and 29 from penalty), Fahad Al-Mehallel (15 and 54), Khaled Al-Muwallad (18), Sami Al-Jaber (52)
December 8: Saudi Arabia vs Iraq (1-0)
Match goal: Fahad Al-Mehallel (26)
December 11: Saudi Arabia vs Iran (0-3)
Quarterfinals
December 16: Saudi Arabia vs China (4-3)
Match goals: Yousuf Al-Thunayan (31 and 65), Sami Al-Jaber (34), Fahad Al-Mehallel (43); for China, Zhang Enhua (6 and 89) and Bing Yijun (16)
Semifinals
December 19: Saudi Arabia vs Iran (0-0). Saudi Arabia qualified on penalties (4-3)
Final
December 21: Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates (0-0). The "Falcons" won on penalties (4-2)
Saudi National Team's Matches in the 2023 Asian Cup
Saudi Arabia is placed in Group Six alongside Oman, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand.
January 16: Saudi Arabia vs Oman (Khalifa International Stadium)
January 21: Saudi Arabia vs Kyrgyzstan (Khalifa International Stadium)
January 25: Saudi Arabia vs Thailand (Education City Stadium)
The "Green Falcons" look to soar once again as they enter the 2023 Asian Cup with a celebrated history in the tournament. With three championships under their belt, the Saudi national team hopes to end their title drought and reclaim glory on the Asian football stage.
