From ACL Glory to World Cup Dreams: Saudis Seek to Recreate Al-Ahli’s Spirit Against Indonesia
8 October 2025
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In the lead-up to the World Cup 2026 Asian playoff, media figure Walid Al-Farraj urged the Saudi national team and its supporters to reproduce the atmosphere of Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League final triumph over Kawasaki Frontale. Al-Ahli’s 2-0 victory last season delivered their first continental crown, a feat Al-Farraj cited to energize the Green Falcons ahead of the Indonesia clash.
In televised remarks, Al-Farraj said, "I hope a social media re-share happens for this match against Indonesia, echoing the Al-Ahli vs Kawasaki final." He added that the performance, intensity, and the electric atmosphere were unmatched, and he hopes to see that energy reflected in the national team’s display.
"Same stadium, same green colors—let’s hope we see that energy again from the national team," he noted.
Saudi Arabia's Qualification Journey
The Saudi side meets Indonesia in the World Cup 2026 Asian playoff, scheduled for the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah on Wednesday with a 19:15 local kickoff. This marks the seventh World Cup appearance target; Saudi Arabia has progressed to six previous editions (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022).
Saudi Arabia hopes to beat Indonesia and then face Iraq on October 14 for a place in the intercontinental playoff. The 2026 qualifying draw placed the Green Falcons in Group with Australia, Japan, Indonesia, China, and Bahrain. The team finished third in the group with 13 points, behind Japan (23) and Australia (19).
In the qualification campaign, Saudi won three times, drew four, and lost three, scoring seven goals and conceding eight. If they top the group stage, they go directly to the World Cup; the runners-up play a home-and-away tie to reach an intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March. If tied on points in the playoff, the tiebreakers proceed in order: goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head, and fair play.
Renard and his staff outlined a plan for the two playoff games, with goalkeeper, defender, midfield, and forward options listed to cover rotations needed to secure advancement.
Renard's Readiness and Squad
France’s Hervé Renard has stressed readiness for the Indonesia match in Asia’s playoff, as Saudi Arabia aims to reach the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The match will be played in Jeddah, followed by a clash with Iraq on October 14. In a pre-match briefing, Renard said, "We are ready for Indonesia and determined to reach the World Cup from here." He added that the team had prepared with strong camps, and that they would give more than 100% to achieve the goal.
Renard noted that since taking charge last year, roughly half the squad has changed, emphasizing technical growth and physical development. "If we have progressed enough, we will see tomorrow," he said, underscoring that the path is the right one. He concluded, "We will qualify for the World Cup together," recalling past successes, including guiding Saudi Arabia to a World Cup and achieving a historic win over Argentina, before noting the current squad’s preparation since early 2024 was aimed at future milestones.
Renard also highlighted ongoing personnel adjustments over the past year and stressed that development remains a priority as they chase a historic seventh World Cup appearance.
Punchlines: If they pull off the Indonesia result, I’ll start cheering for the team even when my Wi-Fi drops to zero bars. And if the Greens keep this pace, my keyboard might start chanting too—gooooal, in 4K!
