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.
