Green Falcons on Alert: Saudi Stars Told to Respect Indonesia Ahead of Asian World Cup Playoff
5 October 2025
Key Points
Mohammed Talaat Al-Lami, an honorary member and former head of the youth sector of the Saudi federation, issued a cautionary message to the Saudi national team ahead of the AFC Asian playoff matches.
The Green Falcons will meet Indonesia on the upcoming Wednesday at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, within Group B of the AFC Asian Play-off, before facing Iraq on October 14 at the same venue.
Al-Lami said the Saudi first team is capable of defeating both Indonesia and Iraq in the AFC Asian Play-off to reach the World Cup 2026.
He urged the players to respect Indonesia and deliver performances that help win points and secure a World Cup berth for the seventh time in Saudi football history.
Saudi fans are expected to flood the Al-Inma Stadium to back the Green Falcons in their bid to qualify for 2026.
The AFC issued an official statement detailing the playoff system: group winners advance directly to the World Cup 2026, while the runners-up meet in home-and-away ties to reach the intercontinental playoff in March.
Six AFC nations have already secured places in the 2026 World Cup: Japan, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan.
Behind the scenes, Saudi preparations continue for the Indonesia clash at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. Mohannad Al-Saad is set to join training, with Saud Abdul Hamid and Marwan Alsahafi joining after their European club commitments.
Indonesia’s primary goalkeeper Emil Odiero will miss the match due to injury, according to coach Patrick Kluivert.
Iraq’s striker Ayman Hussein has overcome a muscle strain and is ready to face Saudi. Iraq’s delegation is expected in Jeddah Monday, with training to begin the next day; Hussein has 32 goals in 87 appearances.
Indonesian media warned of five Saudi threats ahead of the matchup: Salem Al-Dosari, Firas Al-Buraikan, Saud Abdul Hamid, Ali Al-Bulaihi, and Abdulloh Al-Maliki, highlighted as key players even if not all are in Renard’s squad for the playoff.
The Saudis’ depth and proven performers, including Al-Dosari and Al-Buraikan, are viewed as pivotal, as is the creative edge of Al-Bulaihi and Maliki in various roles.
The second batch of tickets for Saudi vs Indonesia reportedly sold out, with a third batch released but also quickly consumed by fans. The AFC has appointed Kuwaiti referee Ahmad Al-Ali to oversee the match, a choice that drew some Indonesian reservations. Al-Ali has officiated 56 international matches, handed out 188 yellow cards, shown 3 direct red cards, and awarded 14 penalties in his career.
Punchline time: if soccer were a conspiracy, tonight’s game would be the one where the ball refuses to cross the line until the VAR says yes. And if you think that’s dramatic, just remember: even the stadium lights have better goals analytics than my coffee does in the morning.
