Saudi’s take pole 2026 qualifying position in Riyadh as Qatar stumble in Doha

 
Saudi Arabia took a big step towards the 2026 World Cup finals and one of the two remaining Asian qualifying slots with a 3-2 win over Indonesia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Riyadh.

The Saudis now have to beat Iraq next Tuesday, again in Riyadh, in the final game of Group B qualifying to secure their slot. Before then Indonesia will need to beat Iraq to keep automatic qualification hopes alive.

The Saudi Arabia win saw Feras Al Brikan score twice as they battled back from going behind to an early Kevin Diks penalty on 11 minutes.

The lead for Patrick Kluivert’s side lasted only six minutes before Saleh Abu Al Shamat levelled ahead of Al Brikan’s brace, the Al Ahli Saudi FC striker scoring in the 36th and 62nd minutes.

With two minutes to go, Diks scored again from the penalty spot and Mohammed Kanno receive a late red card, but neither was enough to deny Saudi Arabia that puts them on course for a seventh appearance at the World Cup.

Qatar fail to press home advantage

In Group A, Oman and Asian Cup champions Qatar had to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Both teams now have to face the United Arab Emirates, with Oman first up on Sunday, and Qatar playing the UAW three days later.

Qatar started as favourites for this match but Julen Lopetegui’s could not find a way to break the deadlock despite a succession of opportunities.

Qatar are looking for their second World Cup finals, having hosted in 2022. Oman have never qualified for the finals.

The UAE have appeared just once in the finals, in 1990, but with Qater stumbling, they will sense an opportunity.

The second placed teams in each of the three team groups will play-off for the AFC’s slot at the inter-confederation World Cup play-in tournament.

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