Saudi Arabia has moved one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia defeated Indonesia 3-2 on Wednesday, coming within 90 minutes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

A win against Iraq next Tuesday, also in Jeddah, would guarantee Saudi Arabia top spot 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 will automatically earn a place in the tournament. The number two advances to the fifth round.

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

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

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«One more step to go. God willing, we will make it happen,» Al-Buraikan said in comments to the Asian Football Confederation’s X.

Indonesia’s chance to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1938 is 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.

“We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team that defended well and closed off spaces,” Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said. “Despite this, we created several chances, but were unable to convert them into goals.”

Oman, the only team from the fourth round that has never appeared at the World Cup, will play against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

«A draw is the best result for both teams today. A defeat would have damaged our chances of World Cup qualification,» Oman coach Carlos Queiroz said. “We don’t have much time before we face the UAE, but we will prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive.”

Asia has eight automatic spots and Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Jordan had already qualified from the third round that ended in June.

Published on October 9, 2025