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Rabat – Saudi Arabia faces Iraq in Jeddah in a key Group B match of Asia’s World Cup qualifier. This is a do-or-die match. The winner will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loser faces more qualifiers to stay alive.
Match Details
- Fixture: Saudi Arabia vs Iraq
- Competition: Asian Qualifiers, Final Play-off Round, Group B
- Venue: Alinma Stadium, Jeddah
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Kick-off: 7:45 (GMT+1)
- How to Watch: BeIN Sports 3 MENA
Saudi Arabia Team News
Saudi Arabia will play with a full squad, as no injuries have been reported. Veterans like Saleh Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Hassan Al-Tambakthi will bring experience and help the team handle pressure during the match.
Saudi coach Herve Renard has called this “the most important game” of his career. Saudi top Group B on goal difference over Iraq after both beat Indonesia. A draw is enough for the Saudis to qualify
Saudi Arabia historically wins at home as they have won five of the previous six World Cup qualifying matches versus Iraq.
Iraq Team News
Iraq is expected to play with a full squad, boosted by Zidane Iqbal’s return to fitness. Iraq needs a win; they have no margin for error.
They came in after a 1-0 win over Indonesia, with Zidane Iqbal scoring off the bench. Coach Graham Arnold says Iraq has “only one way” to qualify: by winning. Their qualification hopes now rest only on this match.
What to Expect
Saudi Arabia only needs a draw, so they’ll play with confidence. They will try to control possession, press high, and set the pace.
Iraq will likely stay compact early, absorb pressure, and look for chances on counterattacks or set-pieces.
Head-to-head stats are close, Iraq has 9 wins to Saudi’s 6 in recent years, but Saudi had the edge in the latest qualifiers.
Safe Calls
- Both Teams to Score: YES — Iraq must attack and will likely test Saudi’s defense at least once.
- under 2.5 Goals: The match is expected to be tight, with both teams cautious, it’s likely to be a low scoring game
- Saudi to Win or Draw: YES — Saudi can advance even with a draw, so they have less risk.
- Zidane Iqbal (Iraq) or Al-Dawsari /(Saudi) to score — yes
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Iraq
