The Saudi national team successfully completed its first task in the Asian playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, defeating Indonesia 3–2 despite late-match tension and the sending off of key player Mohammed Kanno.

  • Goalscorers for Saudi Arabia:

    • Saleh Abu Al-Shamat

    • Firas Al-Buraikan (2 goals)

    • Indonesia’s goals:

      • Dykes scored twice, both from penalty kicks.

  • Upcoming Matches & Qualification Path

    • Next Tuesday: Saudi Arabia faces Iraq in Group B.

      • A win is essential for Saudi Arabia to secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

    • This Saturday: Iraq plays Indonesia, which could influence the group standings.

    • Playoff Format Explained

      • The winner of each playoff group qualifies directly for the World Cup, joining the six teams already qualified:

        • Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

      • The second-place teams in each group will face off in a final Asian playoff match.

        • The winner of that match will advance to the intercontinental playoff, for a final chance to reach the World Cup.

          Saudi Arabia’s path is still open, but the pressure is mounting. The match against Iraq will be decisive. Want a breakdown of the group standings or predictions for the next match?