Jeddah, October 15: Saudi Arabia booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday night. The result was enough for the hosts to confirm qualification for the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Hervé Renard’s team needed just one point to progress, and they managed to hold off a determined Iraqi side in front of more than 60,000 passionate fans. The Saudis’ World Cup hopes were kept alive in the dying moments when goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi made a crucial injury-time save to stop a curling free kick from Iraq’s Hassan Abdulkareem.

Speaking after the match, Saudi coach Hervé Renard praised both the team and the fans. “I was expecting a lot of people but the atmosphere was fantastic, the fans pushed the players,” Renard said. “Even though Salem (Al-Dawsari) got the man of the match, I think this evening it was the fans. It has not been easy a few months ago, but we did it and this is the most important.”

With this result, Saudi Arabia finished top of Group B in the fourth round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers. They ended the campaign level on four points with Iraq but took the first place thanks to more goals scored. The Saudis had earlier recorded a 3-2 win over Indonesia, who finished third in the group.

For Iraq, the draw was not enough to secure automatic qualification. They will now face the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged playoff next month. The winner of that clash will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March for another chance to reach the World Cup.

The first half in Jeddah was tense and closely contested, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring chances. Saudi forward Saleh Abu Al-Shamat had the best early opportunity when he shot over the bar in the 13th minute. Al-Shamat remained a constant threat to the Iraqi defence, showing great pace and movement throughout the game.

After the break, Al-Shamat played a clever through ball to Feras Al-Brikan, who sent a powerful cross across goal that Saud Abdulhamid failed to convert. The Saudi attack grew stronger as the second half progressed, with several key saves by Iraq’s goalkeeper Jalal Hassan keeping the visitors in the game. Hassan denied captain Salem Al-Dawsari and later Nasser Al-Dawsari in quick succession, frustrating the home crowd.

Iraq had a few late chances of their own, including a dangerous move by Mohanad Ali that was stopped by a last-ditch tackle from Hassan Al-Tambkti. Their best opportunity came deep into stoppage time when Abdulkareem’s free kick nearly found the back of the net, only for Al-Aqidi to dive full stretch and push the ball to safety.

The goalless draw was enough to send Saudi Arabia to their seventh World Cup appearance since their debut in 1994. The result sparked celebrations among players and fans, marking another proud moment in the nation’s football history.

 Saudi Arabia Qualify for 2026 World Cup After Draw with Iraq

Saudi Arabia sealed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah. Hervé Renard’s team needed just one point to qualify and held firm in a tense match watched by over 60,000 fans. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s stunning injury-time save from Hassan Abdulkareem’s free kick secured the result. With this draw, Saudi Arabia topped Group B on goal difference, earning their seventh World Cup appearance since 1994. Coach Renard praised the fans, calling them the real heroes of the night for their energy and support throughout the match.