In a pivotal match held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a scoreless draw against Iraq on Tuesday, 14 October.
Although the match ended goalless, the result was sufficient for Saudi Arabia to advance on goal difference, narrowly edging out Iraq in the Asian qualifiers.
Both teams finished the group stage with four points, but the Saudis progressed thanks to their goal tally—three goals against Indonesia on 8 October compared to Iraq’s single goal.
This qualification marks a historic achievement for Saudi Arabia, making them the tenth team confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation to participate in the tournament.
The Green Falcons will be making their seventh World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Their best performance came in 1994 when they reached the Round of 16.
The 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, introduces an expanded format featuring 48 teams for the first time.
Saudi Arabia’s qualification marks a milestone for the Arab world, as it becomes the seventh Arab nation to qualify for the tournament, joining Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, Saudi Arabia will be eager to prove their worth on the international stage.
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