Saudi Arabia booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a tense 0-0 draw against Iraq in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 4. at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
In a match brimming with intensity but short on clear chances, both sides struggled to break the deadlock. The home crowd roared with every Saudi advance, yet Iraq’s disciplined defense and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan held firm.
Saleh Abu Al Shamat and Salem Al Dawsari came closest in the early exchanges, with Al Dawsari’s curling effort drifting narrowly wide in the 15th minute. Musab Al Juwayr also threatened with a speculative attempt that missed the target.
For Iraq, qualification hopes hinged on victory — but despite flashes of creativity from Ibrahim Bayesh and Amir Al Ammari, the finishing touch eluded them throughout a frustrating first half.
The Saudis nearly found the opener after the break when Feras Al Brikan teed up Saud Abdulhamid, only for his close-range strike to sail wide. Moments later, Al Shamat unleashed a thunderous shot from 25 yards, forcing a superb flying save from Jalal Hassan.
The Green Falcons continued to press, with Al Dawsari testing Hassan again from close range. However, Iraq held firm as Mohanad Ali threatened a late counter, only to be stopped by a perfectly timed Hassan Al Tambakhti tackle.
In stoppage time, Nawaf Al Aqidi preserved Saudi Arabia’s qualification by diving full-stretch to deny Hassan Abdulkareem’s curling free-kick — sparking a thunderous roar from the Jeddah faithful as the final whistle confirmed their place in the Finals.
Saudi Arabia’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was sealed by topping Group B on goal difference — their earlier 3-2 victory over Indonesia proving decisive in the standings.
Graham Arnold’s Iraq, meanwhile, will continue their qualification campaign in a two-legged playoff against the United Arab Emirates next month. The winner will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament in March 2026.
Credit Photo : SAFF
