Saudi Hawks Ready to Claim a Seventh World Cup Berth
3 octobre 2025
Road to the 2026 World Cup: Saudi Arabia's Asian Playoff Push
The Saudi national team is sharpening its focus for the Asian playoffs that will decide Asia's two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Two high-stakes games loom: Indonesia on Oct. 8 and Iraq on Oct. 14, as the Saudis seek to secure a route to the finals.
Six teams are split into two groups of three; the group winners advance directly to the World Cup, while the runners-up meet in a decisive playoff for one remaining berth.
"The World Cup dream is the most important for every footballer," said Jihad Zakri, a defender who plies his trade with Al-Qadisiyah and the national team.
"I am ready to participate with the squad, and I look forward to giving my best; we have enough time to prepare for these matches," he added.
All players feel the heavy responsibility at this decisive stage, and they recognize the importance of fan support.
Renowned coach Hervé Renard has also adjusted the back line, calling up Abdullah Al-Omari, a defender from Al-Nassr, to join Zakri and Saad Al-Mousa at center-back.
Saleh Al-Shehri, the veteran attacker from Al-Ittihad, outlined what the team needs to reach the World Cup: "We will play two of the most important matches; with God’s help and our fans behind us, we aim to collect full points."
Al-Shehri added that the squad has the resources and facilities; what remains is crowd support. "All players share responsibility in attack and defense, and we play as one unit. With the fans and everyone's unity, we can reach the World Cup and make the nation proud."
However, his own participation remains uncertain as Renard relies on FC Al-Ahli's Firas Al-Brikan to lead the line. Al-Shehri's call-up came as part of a broader rotation that left room for him to contribute or return as a substitute.
The team's defensive depth has been tested by injuries to Hassan Tembakti and Mohammed Suleiman Bakr, with the former missing training due to a cold and the latter undergoing treatment after an injury against Al-Ahli and Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League Elite. Renard then summoned Abdullah Al-Omari to shore up defense alongside Zakri and Al-Mousa.
World Cup dream
The Saudis are chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, and a third in a row, after competing in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022, with their best run coming in 1994 when they reached the knockout stage. The national team has built a long World Cup road since the 1980s, earning direct qualification in 1994 and maintaining a steady presence through 2006, with late returns in 2018 and 2022.
As the two playoff matches approach, the kingdom’s hopes remain high that the green will raise its flag once again on the world stage.
Punchline 1: If they hit the target, expect headlines so loud the stadium will require earplugs and the neighbors will start practicing their victory dances in advance.
Punchline 2: If things don’t go perfectly, at least the fans will be there, armed with scarves, songs, and a sense of humor sharper than any pundit’s analysis.
