Saudi Arabia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after a goalless draw with Iraq in Jeddah, concluding the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers. The single point earned in a tightly contested match was enough to confirm the Green Falcons as leaders of Group B, marking their seventh appearance at the tournament.
Approximately 60,000 supporters in Jeddah celebrated the achievement at the final whistle, despite a match that proved to be physically demanding and cautious. The game reflected much of the challenging campaign that had preceded it.
Coach Herve Renard, the players, and Saudi officials took to the field to mark the moment, celebrating the team’s successful qualification. For the squad, the result represented the culmination of a tough journey, with next summer’s World Cup in North America now firmly in sight.
Saudi Arabia dominates but struggles to convert chances
Throughout the contest, the home side controlled possession and pressed Iraq consistently, but clear scoring opportunities were scarce. One of the more notable chances came in the 14th minute when Musab Al-Juwayr’s long pass released Saleh Abu Al-Shamat on the right flank, though his shot sailed just over the bar.
Salem Al-Dawsari also tested Iraq’s goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, with a long-range effort that failed to trouble him. Iraq’s best opportunity came when Ibrahim Bayesh’s close-range attempt was blocked by the Saudi defense.
Seven minutes before halftime, Abu Al-Shamat weaved through the Iraqi defense and entered the box, only to pass the ball across the goal instead of taking the shot, allowing the defense to intervene. Despite sustained pressure, Saudi Arabia struggled to break through decisively.
Second-half tension and crucial saves
The pattern of the first half carried into the second, with the hosts continuing to probe Iraq’s defense. Early in the period, Abu Al-Shamat forced Hassan into a diving save with a long-range strike. Several further attempts went off target, leaving the Green Falcons wary of a potential counterattack.
Iraq made a rare penetration in the 76th minute when Mohanad Ali maneuvered inside the penalty area and managed a shot, but Hassan Tambakti blocked it effectively.
The closing stages were nerve-wracking for Saudi fans. In the 94th minute, Nawaf Al-Aqidi pulled off an impressive stop to deny Iraq from a free kick, ensuring that Saudi Arabia held on for the point that secured their qualification.
Iraq to face playoff after finishing second
For Iraq, the draw confirmed their second-place finish in Group B. They will now meet the runners-up from Group A, the United Arab Emirates, in a two-legged playoff next month. The winner of that tie will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs for a chance to reach the World Cup.