KSAsportz Report
JEDDAH — In a thrilling culmination to their qualifying campaign, Saudi Arabia secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a goalless draw with Iraq on Tuesday night at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. This result clinches the top position in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 playoffs, marking the Green Falcons’ third consecutive World Cup qualification and seventh overall.
Over 60,000 fans filled the stadium, generating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled the team’s determination on the pitch. Saudi Arabia’s advancement was largely attributed to their superior goal difference, highlighted by a crucial 3-2 victory over Indonesia last week, a match that ultimately proved essential as Iraq was left contemplating missed opportunities.
Iraq, managed by Graham Arnold, will now face the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged playoff next month. The victor will proceed to the intercontinental FIFA Playoff Tournament scheduled for March.
In the match, Saleh Abu Al Shamat almost opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but his shot soared over the bar. Teammate Salem Al Dawsari came close as well, curling a strike just wide shortly after. Despite significant pressure, Saudi Arabia could not break the deadlock before halftime, with Musab Al Juwayr and Al Shamat both having their attempts thwarted by Iraq’s disciplined defense.
After the break, the Green Falcons appeared more resolute. Al Shamat setup Feras Al Brikan inside the area, whose cutback just eluded Saud Abdulhamid. A short while later, Al Shamat forced a spectacular diving save from Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who also denied Al Dawsari at close range, maintaining the stalemate.
Iraq’s Mohanad Ali nearly clinched a dramatic late winner, but a timely tackle by Hassan Al Tambakhti and a reflex save by goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi in stoppage time safeguarded Saudi Arabia’s clean sheet and confirmed their place at football’s grandest event.
As the final whistle blew, jubilation erupted across Jeddah, with fans clad in green and white celebrating the Green Falcons’ upcoming journey to North America for the 2026 World Cup.