Fans as the sharpest weapon: Hazazi backs Saudi green in Asia playoff for World Cup 2026
7 October 2025
Former international striker Naif Hazazi is buoyant about Saudi Arabia's chances to beat Indonesia and Iraq in the Asian playoff and qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Hazazi told the Saudi newspaper Okaz that he is very optimistic, confident in the Green Falcons led by coach Hervé Renard, to overcome the two decisive playoff games.
He added that the Green players are capable of securing victory against Indonesia and Iraq and pleasing the football fans.
The fans are the strongest weapon, and they will flood the Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah to support the Green Falcons in the two matches and push them toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi will play Indonesia on Wednesday night and then Iraq on Oct 15.
Both matches in Jeddah give the Falcons a strong chance to advance toward the 2026 World Cup.
In the Asian playoff format, six teams qualified to play in two groups of three; the group winners advance directly to the World Cup, while the runners-up will face a playoff to produce one more team for the global playoff.
Hunter of the Rival
The Saudi fans association announced a tifto dedicated to the Green before the Indonesia match, to be held tomorrow at the Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah, with the word "HUNT" on the stands, symbolizing the quest to grab three points from Indonesia.
The eye-catching banner is meant to rally the crowd and underscore Saudi Arabia's aim to hunt down victory in the decisive playoff.
Full Strength Ready
Saudi Arabia is currently at its best in terms of squad depth, technical and physical readiness, and Renard's focus is solely on victory on Wednesday to place a first foot in the finals ahead of the Iraq clash.
Renard relies on a blend of veteran and young players, including Salem Al-Dawsari, Saleh Al-Shehri, Ayman Yahya, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohammed Kano, Abdulilah Al-Omari, Saud Abdulhamid, and Hassan Timbakti.
The squad welcomed new addition Mohannad Al-Saad to training, while work on set pieces and a half-field drill continued.
There were no injuries in camp for the first time since preparations began, with Ayman Yahya and Mohammed Suleiman joining team drills.
Indonesian Preparations
Indonesia prepared with two friendly matches in September, beating Chinese Taipei 6-0 and drawing with Lebanon 0-0.
The Indonesian squad includes players plying their trade in European leagues, but they also faced injuries, including their goalkeeper Emil Odero and a young playmaker Marcelino Ferdinand.
Indonesia's record against Saudi Arabia shows 16 meetings, with 12 Saudi wins, 3 draws, and 1 Indonesia win; Saudi has scored 45 goals to Indonesia's 8 in those clashes.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Saudi finished third in Group 3 with 13 points behind Japan and Australia; Indonesia finished fourth with 12 points, after three wins, four draws, and three losses for Saudi, and three wins, three draws, and four losses for Indonesia.
