Saudi Arabia moves a step closer to qualification for 2026 World Cup

By Canadian Press on October 8, 2025.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia beat Indonesia 3-2 on Wednesday to move within 90 minutes of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

A victory against Iraq next Tuesday, also in Jeddah, would guarantee Saudi Arabia first place in Group B and a seventh World Cup appearance.

In the fourth round of Asian qualifying, only the winners of the two groups of three earn automatic berths to the tournament. The runners-up advance to a fifth round.

Indonesia, coached by former Netherlands and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, struck first when Kevin Diks converted a penalty in the 11th minute. Six minutes later, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalized, and Firas Al-Buraikan’s penalty in the 37th minute put Saudi Arabia ahead.

Al-Buraikan scored again just after the hour mark, but Diks converted a second penalty in the 89th minute. Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno was sent off in stoppage time, but the hosts held on for the win.

Indonesia’s chance of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1938 will be over if it loses to Iraq on Saturday.

Earlier in Group A, Qatar was held to a 0-0 draw by Oman in Al-Rayyan.

Oman, the only team in the fourth round never to have appeared at the World Cup, plays the United Arab Emirates on Saturday before facing Qatar next Tuesday.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press

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