Saudi Arabia to Clash with Iraq, Indonesia in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The Asian qualifiers consist of six teams divided into two groups. Only the top team from each group will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global tournament. The second-placed teams will face off in a two-legged knockout stage on 13 and 18 November. This stage will determine which team represents Asia in the FIFA Playoff Tournament, offering one last chance to qualify.
A draw determined the host team for the knockout stage. The Group A runners-up will host the first leg of the playoffs.
Australia, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Iran, and Uzbekistan have already secured their spots at the Finals. Qatar aims to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after debuting as hosts in 2022. They advanced to the playoffs by finishing fourth in Group A of the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
The UAE seek a second appearance at the Finals after debuting in 1990, after they finished third in Group A, while Oman, who came fourth in Group B, hope for their first appearance at the global tournament. Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Quest
The Green Falcons aim for their third consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the Finals as they must navigate the playoffs after finishing third in Group C of the third round. Iraq, whose only World Cup appearance was in 1986, also advanced to the playoffs by finishing third in Group B, while Indonesia, with their last appearance in 1938, finished fourth in Group C.
Draw Results
Group A: Qatar (H), UAE, Oman
Group B: Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia
Knockout Stage Schedule
13 November: 1st leg: Runners-up Group A vs. Runners-up Group B
18 November: 2nd leg: Runners-up Group B vs. Runners-up Group A
As the October fixtures loom, fans across the Gulf brace for nerve-wracking matches that could define a generation of football. Will Saudi Arabia's veterans rise to the occasion, or will newcomers rewrite the script? The countdown begins.
Short link :
Post Views: 13
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Harbinger Group becomes first foreign owner in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — U.S.-based Harbinger Group has officially become the first foreign owner of a Saudi Pro League club after completing a full acquisition of Al-Kholood FC, the Ministry of Sports announced. The move signals a new era of international investment in Saudi football. In a statement, Harbinger Group confirmed it had acquired 100% ownership of the club based in Al-Rass, which finished ninth in the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League season. The Ministry also revealed that two other clubs — Al-Ansar and Al-Zulfi — have been successfully privatized and transferred to new investors as part of Saudi Arabia's broader sports privatization strategy. Ben Harburg, the founder and managing partner of Harbinger Group, said the acquisition of Al-Kholood was a "tremendous honor," positioning the group as the first foreign entity to fully own a top-tier Saudi football club. "We are on the cusp of extraordinary growth under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, especially with the Kingdom hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034," Harburg said in a video statement shared by the Ministry. 'We believe football players are Saudi Arabia's greatest export to come.' On their journey to acquiring Al-Kholood Club Ben Harburg and Brian Wright Vias speak : — Ministry of Sport (@mosgovsa_en) July 24, 2025 "During our due diligence process, we reviewed multiple clubs, but Al-Kholood stood out due to its strong trajectory, passionate fanbase, and the dynamic Al-Qassim region." Brian Wright Vias, a senior member of Harbinger, described the acquisition as both a privilege and a great responsibility. 'We are grateful to the Ministry of Sports and to the Saudi people for this opportunity,' he said. 'Our goal is not to buy global stars, but to develop them — to build Saudi talent and make them global exports.' Unlike the Kingdom's four elite clubs — Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli — which are majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and have attracted world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, Al-Kholood currently does not field global superstars. But the new owners believe in long-term development. This milestone is part of the Saudi Ministry of Sports' privatization initiative, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization. The program aims to foster private sector participation and enable clubs to become financially sustainable, talent-driven entities that contribute to the growing sports ecosystem. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has significantly ramped up its investment in football, highlighted by Ronaldo's record-setting arrival and a wave of international signings, sponsorships, and global tournaments hosted across the Kingdom — from Formula 1 and LIV Golf to boxing, MotoGP, and the Spanish and Italian Super Cups. With the privatization of Al-Kholood, Al-Ansar, and Al-Zulfi, Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward in transforming its domestic football landscape and welcoming international partnerships as part of Vision 2030's sports transformation goals.
Saudi Gazette
21-07-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Qiddiya City unveils Nick Faldo-designed golf course
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Qiddiya City has taken a major step toward becoming the Kingdom's premier golf destination with the unveiling of a signature 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, alongside a new global partnership with the Faldo Series, the world's leading youth golf development platform. The newly announced partnership makes Qiddiya City an official global partner of the Faldo Series, supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to grow grassroots golf. The city will also serve as a host venue for future Faldo Series events, positioning itself as a regional hub for youth development in the sport. Set to open in 2026, the Faldo-designed course will be nestled dramatically against the 200-meter cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains and will feature a range of innovative and accessible elements, including a unique '3-hole return' layout that allows players of all levels to engage with the sport on their own terms. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, driving range, and golf academy will follow in 2028. 'This partnership with Sir Nick Faldo and the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers,' said Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company. 'Qiddiya City is not just building courses—it's building a community and an ecosystem around sport and play.'Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion, praised the collaboration: 'This is a unique opportunity to be involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today. Qiddiya City fuses city life with sport, entertainment, and culture—making it the perfect partner for the Faldo Series.'Designed to meet global tournament standards while remaining inclusive, the floodlit course will offer an optimal playing experience for professionals and amateurs learning pathways and golf entertainment features are being built into the academy to engage newcomers and elevate the overall player course will be anchored by an iconic clubhouse and academy complex designed by Patterson' both sustainability and wellness, the green-roofed facility will house three interconnected zones: a Golf Clubhouse, a Social Wellness Hub, and a state-of-the-art Golf will include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and wellness centers, social lounges, and dining options. The complex is expected to attract over 200,000 annual just 40 minutes from Riyadh, Qiddiya City spans 360 square kilometers and is the world's first city built for play. Its ambitious masterplan includes more than 20 districts centered around entertainment, sports, and culture, featuring major projects like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium — set to host events during the 2034 FIFA World Cup — and the Mercedes AMG World of Performance, as well as a performing arts center and motorsports arena.
Leaders
17-07-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia to Clash with Iraq, Indonesia in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Saudi Arabia have drawn Iraq and Indonesia in Group B for the fourth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The matches will take place between 8 to 14 October, featuring a single round-robin format. Meanwhile, reigning Asian Cup champions Qatar will compete against the United Arab Emirates and Oman in Group A. Group Structure and Qualification Path The Asian qualifiers consist of six teams divided into two groups. Only the top team from each group will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global tournament. The second-placed teams will face off in a two-legged knockout stage on 13 and 18 November. This stage will determine which team represents Asia in the FIFA Playoff Tournament, offering one last chance to qualify. A draw determined the host team for the knockout stage. The Group A runners-up will host the first leg of the playoffs. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Iran, and Uzbekistan have already secured their spots at the Finals. Qatar aims to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after debuting as hosts in 2022. They advanced to the playoffs by finishing fourth in Group A of the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. The UAE seek a second appearance at the Finals after debuting in 1990, after they finished third in Group A, while Oman, who came fourth in Group B, hope for their first appearance at the global tournament. Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Quest The Green Falcons aim for their third consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the Finals as they must navigate the playoffs after finishing third in Group C of the third round. Iraq, whose only World Cup appearance was in 1986, also advanced to the playoffs by finishing third in Group B, while Indonesia, with their last appearance in 1938, finished fourth in Group C. Draw Results Group A: Qatar (H), UAE, Oman Group B: Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia Knockout Stage Schedule 13 November: 1st leg: Runners-up Group A vs. Runners-up Group B 18 November: 2nd leg: Runners-up Group B vs. Runners-up Group A As the October fixtures loom, fans across the Gulf brace for nerve-wracking matches that could define a generation of football. Will Saudi Arabia's veterans rise to the occasion, or will newcomers rewrite the script? The countdown begins. Short link : Post Views: 13
