Preview: Saudi Arabia Seek Redemption Against Australia in Critical World Cup Qualifier
Saudi Arabia’s national team face a crucial test as they prepare to battle Australia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday. The Green Falcons, determined to bounce back after recent setbacks, hope Hervé Renard’s return as head coach will spark a revival in their campaign.
Renard’s Return Rekindles Saudi Hopes
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation reappointed Hervé Renard after Roberto Mancini’s tenure yielded inconsistent results early in the qualifiers. Mancini showed initial promise but struggled with consistency, leading to a mutual parting. Renard, who famously led Saudi Arabia to a win over Argentina in 2022, hopes to revive Saudi’s campaign. His new contract covers the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and potentially the 2027 Asian Cup, set for Saudi Arabia.
Australia Strong with Home Advantage
Australia holds a solid record at home, presenting Saudi Arabia with a difficult test in Melbourne. The Socceroos enter with three wins in their last four matches, giving them considerable momentum. Saudi Arabia’s recent offensive struggles highlight Renard’s need to refine the team’s attack for a breakthrough.
Renard will rely on seasoned stars like Salem Al-Dawsari to breach Australia’s defense. Meanwhile, Australia’s Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke aim to lead their team’s attack. With both teams tied on points, victory will prove essential in their race for automatic World Cup qualification.
Saudi’s Offensive Struggles and Injuries
The Green Falcons’ October qualifiers saw a goalless draw against Bahrain and a loss to Japan, underscoring their offensive issues. Defender Muhannad Al-Shinqiti’s injury may sideline him, adding to the challenges Renard faces in this crucial game.
New coach Tony Popovic has guided Australia to second place in Group C, trailing only Japan. Popovic’s squad, including Premier League players like Riley McGree and Harry Souttar, looks to strengthen their group position with a win.
Predicted Lineups:
Australia: Gauci; Geria, Souttar, Burgess; Miller, Yazbek, Irvine, Bos; McGree, Hrustic, Duke
Saudi Arabia: Al Kassar; Hamed, Tambakti, Lajami, Kadesh; Alkhaibari, N Al-Dawsari, Al Asmari; Yahya, Radif, Maran
Both teams have met 10 times in all competitions, with Australia holding five wins to Saudi Arabia’s two. Their last four encounters occurred in World Cup qualifiers, where Saudi Arabia remained unbeaten in two meetings, securing clean sheets. However, Australia have won two and drawn one of their last three home matches against Saudi Arabia, with the Green Falcons’ most recent visit to the Oceania giants coming back in November 2021, when both Socceroos captain Matty Ryan and Al-Hilal star Mohammed Al-Rubaie kept clean sheets.
Fans can expect a fiercely competitive clash as both teams vie for automatic qualification. Renard’s leadership could inspire Saudi Arabia, but Australia’s form and home-field advantage make them formidable opponents.
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