Saudi Arabia’s 3-2 Thriller Pushes World Cup 2026 Bid Ahead of Iraq Clash
8 October 2025
Early lead and a dramatic comeback
Saudi Arabia moved a big step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup by beating Indonesia 3-2 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, opening the AFC Asian Qualifiers round. Indonesia struck first in the 11th minute via Kevin Diks from a penalty, and the momentum seemed to tilt temporarily as the visitors pressed for more.
Renewed energy from the Green Falcons paid off in the 17th minute, when Saleh Al-Shaamat fired home to restore parity. The pressure continued, and Firas Al-Buraikan converted a penalty in the 36th minute to give Saudi the lead. The hosts extended their advantage in the 61st minute when Al-Buraikan pounced again after a rebound, making it 3-1 and seemingly sealing the result.
Late drama and a red card
Indonesia kept fighting and reduced the deficit in the 88th minute through another Kevin Diks penalty, sparking a tense finish. In stoppage time, Mohammed Kanno saw red after a second yellow card, adding a dash of chaos to the final minutes. Throughout, Saudi Arabia controlled much of the play, exemplifying a mix of tested experience and energetic upstarts under coach Hervé Renard.
Renard kept faith with a familiar starting XI featuring Salem Al-Dosari, Saleh Al-Shaamat, and Firas Al-Buraikan up front, with Nawaf Al-Ghaidi in goal and a solid defensive spine. The win leaves Saudi atop Group B with three points and sets the stage for a high-stakes meeting against Iraq in the same venue on Tuesday, a potential centerpiece for the group’s fate.
As the scoreline suggested, the match remained entertaining until the final whistle, underscoring the unpredictability of World Cup qualification and the fine margins between triumph and disappointment.
Punchline 1: If football had a sniper, Renard’s shot was precise—three goals, one drama-filled finale, and a crowd that forgot their snacks were for a second helping of suspense. Punchline 2: The Saudis came for the win and brought a little extra spice—they left with three points and a story that will make the next fan group chat very jealous.
