Overview
- Saudi Arabia secured the first semi‑final berth after a 3-1 win over Oman, a result that leaves the Saudis top of Group A and reduces the remaining qualification permutations.
- Iraq moved to four points with a 3-2 victory over Kuwait and can guarantee progression with a draw or a win against Saudi, while a loss would put it into tiebreak calculations with Oman that depend on goal difference.
- The UAE opened with a 4-0 win over Yemen and now faces Bahrain in a match that can clinch a semi‑final spot for the Emiratis if they win and improve their points total.
- The Iraq–Kuwait match prompted sharp refereeing criticism after several disputed yellow cards, a penalty decision and limited VAR angles, with former referee Gamal El‑Ghandour saying some cautions were unwarranted and replays failed to settle the penalty debate.
- Outside sport, the UAE launched the 'Jisr Ahmed bin Rashid' effort to pack and deliver 10 million meals to Gaza, while Lebanon’s prime minister warned the UN that ending the UNIFIL mandate without an agreed international follow‑on risks creating a security vacuum in southern Lebanon.