Saudi Arabia secure 2026 World Cup spot after stalemate with Iraq

Saudi Arabia sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Iraq on Tuesday in Jeddah, a result that left both teams level on points but put the hosts through on the competition's goals scored tiebreaker. The goalless match at King Abdullah Sports City confirmed Saudi Arabia as Group B winners and ended Iraq's direct hopes, sending Graham Arnold's side into a playoff later this year.

Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi produced a crucial injury-time save to keep out a curling free kick from Hassan Abdulkareem, preserving the draw that proved decisive. More than 60,000 fans watched a match in which Saudi Arabia generated the clearer chances throughout, but were unable to convert. The draw left both sides on four points and identical goal difference, but Saudi Arabia advanced having scored one more goal across the mini-league stage.

Earlier in the round, Saudi Arabia opened their campaign with a 3-2 win over Indonesia, while Iraq beat Indonesia 1-0, the latter victory sealed by Zidane Iqbal. Those results determined the narrow statistical margin that ultimately separated the two teams. Iraq will now face the United Arab Emirates, who finished second in...