Saudi Arabia Drawn Against Iraq and Indonesia in 2026 World Cup Asian Play-off Group
The Asian Football Confederation has announced Saudi Arabia's group for the final play-off round of 2026 World Cup qualification.
The Asian Football Confederation on Thursday conducted the draw for the final play-off round of 2026 World Cup qualification, placing six teams in two groups to compete for the remaining direct slots to the expanded 48-team tournament.
Saudi Arabia, included among these teams and placed in Group B alongside Iraq and Indonesia, joins the already qualified Asian nations: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.The draw saw Saudi Arabia face Indonesia on October 8, followed by a match against Iraq three days later.
Group B also includes Qatar, who topped Pot 1 alongside Saudi Arabia.
The group stage will see only the top team from each group secure direct qualification to the World Cup.Group A consists of Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, with the same criteria applying to this group as well.
The second-placed teams in both groups will enter a single-elimination match, where the winner advances to the intercontinental play-off for an additional opportunity to qualify for the 2026 tournament.The draw was held at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and overseen by Timur Kapadze, who recently guided Uzbekistan to their first-ever World Cup qualification.
The final play-off round provides regional heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia with a last chance to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Saudi Arabia, included among these teams and placed in Group B alongside Iraq and Indonesia, joins the already qualified Asian nations: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.The draw saw Saudi Arabia face Indonesia on October 8, followed by a match against Iraq three days later.
Group B also includes Qatar, who topped Pot 1 alongside Saudi Arabia.
The group stage will see only the top team from each group secure direct qualification to the World Cup.Group A consists of Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, with the same criteria applying to this group as well.
The second-placed teams in both groups will enter a single-elimination match, where the winner advances to the intercontinental play-off for an additional opportunity to qualify for the 2026 tournament.The draw was held at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and overseen by Timur Kapadze, who recently guided Uzbekistan to their first-ever World Cup qualification.
The final play-off round provides regional heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia with a last chance to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
