DUBAI: Six-time World Cup participants Saudi Arabia had to come from behind to open their play-offs for the 2026 finals with a 3-2 victory over Indonesia, while 2022 hosts Qatar were held to a stalemate by Oman.
The Saudis, favourites to qualify from Group B given their home advantage, got off to the worst possible start at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah when Hassan Al Tambakti appeared to block Jay Idzes’ close-range header with his arm inside the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR check, Indonesia were awarded a penalty, and midfielder Kevin Diks kept his cool from the spot to put his side 1-0 up in the 11th minute.
Indonesia, managed by former Netherlands and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, are attempting to qualify for their first World Cup since gaining independence from the Dutch in 1945. However, their lead lasted only six minutes.
Making his competitive international debut, Saleh Abu Shamat curled a sublime left-footed effort from the edge of the Indonesia area past goalkeeper Maarten Paes. Soon after, the Al Ahli midfielder struck the Indonesia crossbar with a shot from distance.
On 36 minutes, the Saudis completed the turnaround following Yakob Sayuri’s foul on Al Ahli forward Feras Al Buraikan. After another long VAR review, the 2025 Asian Champions League winner stepped up to thrash his penalty high past Paes.
In the second half, Paes saved superbly from Al Buraikan’s close-range header, only for the striker to later ram home a rebound just after the hour mark to put Saudi Arabia 3-1 up.
Indonesia were given a lifeline minutes from time when Nawaf Bu Washl handled in the Saudi area, with Diks scoring from the spot once more. There was still time for substitute Mohammed Kanno to be sent off after collecting a second yellow card for dissent.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia held on to secure pole position in Group B. They host Iraq next Tuesday, while Indonesia and Iraq face off on Saturday. With six teams competing in two groups over a week, the winners of each pool qualify directly for next year’s showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The runners-up from each group will meet in a two-legged tie next month, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff.
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