Green Light for the Green: Saudi Ready for Iraq Clash
9 October 2025
Key Update Ahead of Asia World Cup Playoff
Renard, the Saudi national team coach, has received good news ahead of the Asia playoff against Iraq for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Saudi Arabia will face Iraq on October 14, 2025, after Iraq's game with Indonesia on the preceding Saturday.
Al-Riyadiyah newspaper confirmed that forward Saleh Abu Shamat would be back and ready to participate normally.
Abu Shamat had left the field injured in the Saudi-Indonesia match, which the Green won 3-2, failing to complete the second half after a standout first half in which he scored a goal.
The 23-year-old had a morning medical test on Thursday that showed fatigue only, with no medical reason preventing his participation against Iraq.
Shamat's Form and International Impact
Abu Shamat has already left his international imprint, scoring with a dribble and a long-range shot to open his international account and help steer the team to victory.
He earned the second-highest rating among Saudi players in the Indonesia match, a 7.9, behind Faris Al-Buraikan who scored twice.
Since joining Al-Ahli Saudi FC in the recent transfer window, he has been a real addition to the attack, with coach Matias Jaissle's eye for talent helping bring him to prominence.
Last season he registered one goal and six assists in 31 matches for Al-Khaleej, and he has continued his fine form with Al-Ahli, even if he has yet to score in eight matches this season. He competes with forwards such as Faris Al-Buraikan, Ivan Toni, Galeno, and Riyad Mahrez for a starting spot and has established himself as a reliable option.
Over this season, his ratings have remained high. In the Nasaf match, he earned an 8 rating for his role in a late comeback from two goals down to win 4-3.
Even in a friendly against North Macedonia, he created a goal in a 2-1 Saudi victory.
In the Intercontinental Cup clash between Al-Ahli and Pyramids, he was among the top-rated players for the Saudi side behind the goalkeeper E. Mendy.
He played 60 minutes, completed two successful dribbles from three attempts, and recorded a 75% pass accuracy according to SofaScore.
Coach and Expert Praise; Historical Edge
Sami Al-Jaber, former star of Saudi football, praised Abu Shamat in particular for the first international goal and for his overall play, calling it the birth of a great star and lauding his one-on-one runs from the right into the heart of the attack.
Al-Jaber also commented that Renard's substitutions with players who feature regularly for their clubs were wise, even when changing positions for some players like Ayman Yahya at Al-Nassr.
Today at age 23, Saleh is re-discovering himself, with questions about his physical strength as a potential area to improve, but early signs remain very positive.
Renard's management and selection were praised by Sami Al-Jaber, who emphasized the importance of the three points in this stage of qualification and noted the team’s use of regulars in the lineup.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has had the upper hand over Iraq, having played six times in World Cup qualifiers, winning five and drawing once as the teams prepare for their upcoming meeting.
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper duel, the target would always be the corner of the net—and somehow, the corner always finds the back of the net.
Punchline 2: In the world of football, the only thing sharper than a striker's finish is the manager's sense of humor when the bus is late.
