Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night after a goalless draw with Iraq sent Herve Renard’s men into scenes of celebration at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, securing top spot in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 playoffs.

With more than 60,000 fans creating a deafening atmosphere, the Green Falcons held firm to confirm their third straight World Cup appearance and seventh overall — a run that underscores the Kingdom’s growing consistency on the continental stage.

Saudi Arabia’s qualification was sealed thanks to their superior goal difference after a vital 3-2 win over Indonesia last week. That result ultimately proved decisive as Iraq were left to rue missed opportunities.

Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, now face the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental FIFA Playoff Tournament in March.

Saleh Abu Al Shamat came close to opening the scoring early, firing over in the 13th minute, while Salem Al Dawsari curled an effort just wide moments later.
Despite relentless pressure, Saudi Arabia couldn’t find the net before halftime, with Musab Al Juwayr and Al Shamat both seeing attempts blocked by Iraq’s disciplined backline.

After the break, the hosts looked sharper. Al Shamat set up Feras Al Brikan inside the area, whose cutback was narrowly missed by Saud Abdulhamid.
Moments later, Al Shamat forced a superb diving save from Jalal Hassan, before the Iraqi keeper denied Al Dawsari from close range to keep the score level.

Iraq’s Mohanad Ali nearly snatched a late winner, but Hassan Al Tambakhti produced a last-ditch tackle, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi’s reflex save deep into stoppage time preserved Saudi Arabia’s clean sheet — and their ticket to the biggest stage in world football.

The final whistle was met with an explosion of green and white joy across Jeddah as the Green Falcons sealed their journey to North America for the 2026 World Cup.