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Leaders
5 days ago
- Sport
- 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
Hans India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Saudi Arabia set for Iraq, Indonesia clashes as Qatar gear up for UAE, Oman in Asian qualifiers for 2026 FIFA WC
Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia have been drawn in Group B to face Iraq and Indonesia in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while reigning Asian Cup champions Qatar will take on the United Arab Emirates and Oman in Group A in a single round-robin format scheduled for October 8 to 14. The six teams were divided into two groups, with only the top side from each to join the six Asian nations already through at next year's global showpiece. The second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the continent's representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity. A draw was also held to determine the host team of the knockout stage, with the Group A runners-up to host the first leg. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan have already confirmed their spots at the Finals. Qatar, aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after having made their debut as hosts in 2022, advanced to the playoffs after finishing fourth in Group A of the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. UAE, seeking a second appearance at the Finals following their debut in the 1990 edition, finished third in Group A while Oman - hoping for a debut appearance at the global showpiece - finished fourth in Group B. Saudi Arabia, bidding for a third consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the Finals, have to navigate the playoffs after finishing third in Group C of the third round. Iraq, whose only previous appearance at the FIFA World Cup was in 1986, advanced to the playoffs after finishing third in Group B while Indonesia, whose previous appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals was in the 1938 edition, finished fourth in Group C. Draw Result Group A: Qatar (H), UAE, Oman Group B: Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia Knockout Stage 13 November 1st leg: Runners-up Group A v Runners-up Group B 18 November 2nd leg: Runners-up Group B v Runners-up Group A
