Saudi Gazette report
KUALA LUMPUR — The Asian Soccer Confederation on Thursday held the draw for the ultimate play-off spherical of 2026 World Cup qualification, inserting Saudi Arabia in Group B alongside Iraq and Indonesia.
Six groups are competing for 2 remaining direct slots to the expanded 48-team World Cup, becoming a member of the six Asian nations that already secured qualification within the earlier spherical: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Saudi Arabia, positioned in Pot 1 alongside Qatar, will start their Group B marketing campaign towards Indonesia on October 8, adopted by a vital conflict with Iraq on October 14.
Group A options Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. Solely the highest crew in every group will safe direct qualification.
The second-placed groups will face off in a single elimination match, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play-off for a remaining shot at qualification.
The draw was carried out at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with crew representatives in attendance.
It was presided over by Timur Kapadze, who lately led Uzbekistan to their first-ever World Cup qualification.
The ultimate play-off spherical affords a final alternative for regional powerhouses like Saudi Arabia to safe a spot on the 2026 match, which might be co-hosted by america, Canada, and Mexico.
