Tag: Saudi

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia moved within touching distance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Indonesia 3-2 on Wednesday in Jeddah. A win against Iraq next Tuesday, also in Jeddah, would secure Saudi Arabia first place in Group B and confirm a seventh World Cup appearance. In the fourth round of Asian qualifying, only the winners of each three-team group earn automatic berths to the tournament, while runners-up advance to a fifth round. Indonesia, led by former Netherlands and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, opened the scoring early when Kevin Diks converted a penalty in the 11th minute. Six minutes later, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalized for the hosts before Firas Al-Buraikan’s penalty in the 37th minute gave Saudi Arabia the lead. Al-Buraikan struck again just after the hour mark to make it 3-1, but Diks netted his second penalty in the 89th minute to narrow the gap. Despite Mohamed Kanno being sent off in stoppage time, Saudi Arabia held firm to secure the win. Indonesia’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1938 will end if they lose to Iraq on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Group A, Qatar was held to a goalless draw by Oman in Al-Rayyan. “We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team that defended well and closed down spaces,” said Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui. “Despite that, we created several opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals.” Oman, the only team in the fourth round yet to appear at a World Cup, will next face the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. “A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification,” Oman coach Carlos Queiroz said. “We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive.”

Tag: Saudi

Saudi Arabia defeats Indonesia 3-2, nears qualification for 2026 World Cup

Saudi Arabia discovers major Gold reserves in Makkah region

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Saudi Arabia defeats Indonesia 3-2, nears qualification for 2026 World Cup

Saudi Arabia discovers major Gold reserves in Makkah region

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