Jeddah witnessed a tense showdown on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia held Iraq to a 0-0 draw, ensuring their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The result confirmed Herve Renard’s side as winners of Group B in Asia’s fourth round of preliminaries.
Fans Lift the Team to Victory
Saudi Arabia only needed a point to secure qualification, and the atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City did not disappoint. More than 60,000 fans cheered their side relentlessly, spurring the team to a hard-fought result.
I was expecting a lot of people but the atmosphere was fantastic, the fans pushed the players. Even though Salem (Al-Dawsari) got the man of the match, I think this evening it was the fans. It has not been easy a few months ago, but we did it and this is the most important.
Group B Glory on Goals Scored
The draw leaves Saudi Arabia level on points with Iraq, but the Saudis top the group thanks to a superior goal difference, boosted by a 3-2 win over third-placed Indonesia. The milestone marks Saudi Arabia’s seventh World Cup appearance since their debut in 1994.
Iraq now face the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged playoff next month to decide who progresses to the intercontinental playoffs in March.
A Cagey, Tense Encounter
The first half offered few clear-cut chances as both sides struggled to break the deadlock. Saleh Abu Al-Shamat came closest for the hosts, firing over the bar in the 13th minute.
Saudi Arabia came close again shortly after the restart when Al-Shamat released a perfectly timed pass to Feras Al-Brikan, whose cross was met by Saud Abdulhamid, but the shot went wide.
Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan kept his side in the contest with a string of crucial saves, denying Al-Shamat six minutes after the restart and thwarting captain Salem Al-Dawsari as chances came thick and fast. Nasser Al-Dawsari was also frustrated in the 63rd minute as Hassan maintained his clean sheet.
Last-Minute Drama
Iraq threatened late, with Mohanad Ali breaking forward 15 minutes from time only to be stopped by Hassan Al-Tambkti’s crucial tackle. Deep into injury time, Hassan Abdulkareem unleashed a curling 25-yard free kick, but goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi produced a stunning dive to his right, keeping the ball out and securing Saudi Arabia’s qualification.
Saudi Arabia Celebrate Another Milestone
The result caps a challenging period for Renard’s squad but reinforces their position as one of Asia’s consistent World Cup contenders. Saudi Arabia now turn their attention to preparations for next year’s tournament, with fans in Jeddah already dreaming of what lies ahead on the world stage.
I congratulate the Wise Leadership on our seventh qualification to the 2026 World Cup. This achievement is the result of huge work and effort from everyone involved in Saudi football.
