KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia were all drawn together on Thursday in the third stage of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in a "group of death" that also includes China.
The 18 remaining Asian teams battling it out for eight direct qualification places were drawn into three groups of six at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Son Heung-min's South Korea were given a more straightforward-looking assignment when they were drawn to face Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait in Group B.
Iran and Asian Cup champions Qatar head Group A and will play Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and North Korea.
Matches will be played on a home-and-away basis from this September to June 2025, with the top two in each group qualifying directly for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Teams finishing third and fourth in their groups will advance to the fourth round of Asian qualifying.
Hajime Moriyasu, whose Japan side beat Spain and Germany to reach the knockout rounds of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, called Group C "a tough group".
Indonesia -- in the third qualifying phase for the first time -- and Bahrain are the other teams in that group.
"We had to do it the hard way in the qualifiers for the last World Cup and we're going to have to dig even deeper this time," Japan coach Moriyasu told reporters after the draw in the Malaysian capital.
"But I want us to be ready for it, be brave and go for it. I ask that the fans fight along with us."
Graham Arnold took Australia to the last 16 in Qatar, where they went out 2-1 to eventual champions Argentina.
Like Japan, Australia had a 100 percent record in the second qualifying round for 2026 and did not concede a goal.
"We knew this round of qualifying would present challenges however the draw panned out," Arnold said.
"I feel it's important we embrace those challenges, with our mindset, belief and camaraderie integral to achieve our goal of qualification."
China have only reached the World Cup once, in 2002, and coach Branko Ivankovic knows his side are up against it in the same group.
"Ours is the hardest group in this round," he said.
"But we want to be a serious opponent for any team. Of course we have three strong teams -- Saudi, Japan and Australia -- that participated in the last World Cup."
Third round AFC qualification draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Group A: Iran, Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea
Group B: South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait
Group C: Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Indonesia
Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia drawn together in tough World Cup qualifying group
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Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia drawn together in tough World Cup qualifying group
- The 18 remaining Asian teams battling it out for eight direct qualification places were drawn into three groups of six at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur
- Iran and Asian Cup champions Qatar head Group A and will play Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and North Korea
Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening
- Six-part “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff” will be available for streaming on the platform from Thursday
- Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack”
JEDDAH: Ahead of its official launch on Nov. 21, Netflix gave an exclusive first look at its new documentary series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” on Tuesday night with two viewing events in Jeddah that showcased episodes covering the city’s two giant clubs.
The screenings were attended by club officials, members of the media, sports bloggers and Al-Ahli’s German coach Matthias Jaissle.
Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack.”
Two more exclusive screening events will take place in Riyadh on Wednesday to unveil episodes on Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Attendees at the Muvi theater in Jeddah were treated to storylines on Karim Benzema’s experiences during his first season at Al-Ittihad, and Jaissle’s leadership at Al-Ahli as the club battled to gain qualification to the AFC Champions League on their return to the Saudi Pro League after relegation two season earlier.
As well as shining a spotlight on Jeddah’s big-name players, the episodes also showcased emerging local talents from the two clubs, such as Al-Ahli’s forward Feras Al-Buraikan, and the 16-year-old striker Talal Hajji of Al-Ittihad.
Jaissle said that he was impressed with the first look at “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” and described Al-Ahli’s episode in three words: “Overwhelmed, emotional and authentic as well.”
“I really enjoyed the special documentary on Al-Ahli, and it offers an exclusive look into the world of Saudi league, showcasing Al-Ahli dynamics and individual player journeys,” he said.
Adnan Jastania, a renowned Saudi football analyst who watched Al-Ittihad’s episode, said: “It really shows the drama, excitement and passion for football in Saudi Arabia. I enjoyed the intra-history of Al-Ittihad and the culture of the oldest sports in Saudi.”
Set to launch on Thursday, the docuseries will have six episodes in total and will focus on the battle for the 2023-24 SPL title with focus on then-reigning champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hopes dented in Indonesia
- Depressing outcome for Herve Renard
JAKARTA: Saudi Arabia lost 2-0 in Indonesia on Tuesday to leave hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt.
Just six points in six games in Group C and no goals in the last four matches makes for depressing reading for head coach Herve Renard.
A goal in each half from Marselino Ferdinan had 60,000-plus fans in Jakarta on their feet and it will not have gone unnoticed by Renard — in his second game back in charge — that this creative talent made a difference just as his, Salem Al-Dawsari, was missing through injury.
And he was missed. Without the 2022 Asian Player of the Year, Saudi Arabia may have had the majority of the ball, but they created little going forward and were hit multiple times by the rapid counters of Indonesia.
Renard said: “Indonesia deserved to win this game. We now have four games and it will be tough and it will be tough for everybody. I accept the challenge to take Saudi Arabia to the World Cup; it doesn’t matter which way but we have to go to the World Cup.”
In the opening exchanges there was a white wave and Saudi Arabia could count themselves lucky that they were not at least a goal down inside the first 10 minutes.
Indeed, the hosts hit the post in the opening minute as Marselino could not quite connect with a right-sided cross from Ivar Jenner and all watched as the ball came back off the woodwork.
Rafael Struick had another great chance in the ninth minute, running on to a Thom Haye ball over the top but with just the goalkeeper to beat, Ahmed Al-Kassar made the save.
The Green Falcons thought they had an advantage midway through the first half. Justin Hubner’s leaping challenge against Mohammed Al-Qahtani succeeded in getting the ball but also ended with his boot in the face of the young Al-Hilal star. When the referee went to the pitchside monitor, the home fans feared the worst but, in the end, a yellow card was shown.
If that was a little fortunate for Indonesia, the lead they took after 32 minutes was deserved.
Saudi Arabia, already aggrieved at a couple of decisions, felt that they should have been given a penalty and then watched in horror as the hosts broke forward. Ragnar Oratmangoen pulled the ball back for Marselino standing near the penalty spot and the Oxford United player took his time, twisted and turned and then curled home into the top corner.
The referee ignored the protests from the men in green and seconds after the restart, Struick was through on goal again but just could not quite get the final touch.
Just before the break Indonesia went close again with Calvin Verdonk volleying just wide from the left. Firas Al-Buraikan then had a rare sight of goal but his shot on the turn was blocked.
Renard would have been the happier of the two coaches to hear the half-time whistle, but both he and his opposite number Shin Tae-yong knew there was a long way to go.
Saudi Arabia started brightly after the break and put pressure on the hosts without creating real chances and it was another breakaway that led to Indonesia’s second.
Verdonk broke down the right and fed Marselino inside the area. His first attempt was blocked by Ali Al-Bulaihi but fell kindly for the Oxford star who then lifted the ball over Al-Kassar into the net.
As they had to, Saudi Arabia started to push forward more and more. Al-Bulaihi headed just over from close range and then the lively Abdullah Al-Hamdan nodded just wide with a fine attempt that had goalkeeper Maarten Paes scrambling across his line. Soon after, the same forward headed straight into the arms of the No. 1.
There were not many more chances to come, though Mohamed Kanno shot against the bar, and the game ended with a flurry of cards, including a second yellow for Hubner.
Saudi Arabia will argue that the defender should have seen red long before but, in truth, they were second best for too much of the match.
Now, the race for the second of the automatic places behind leaders Japan, way ahead on 16 points, could not be tighter with four teams on six and one of those sides, Australia, facing Bahrain later on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia will be hoping for a favor and, with just one win in six, they need all the help they can get.
How Saudi agent Ahmed Almualim defied the odds to take Saud Abdulhamid to Roma
- Saudi international’s agent tells Arab News he risked his own money to seal the historic summer transfer
- Abdulhamid has become one of the standout players for the Green Falcons and will line up for Herve Renard’s team against Indonesia on Tuesday
RIYADH: At the end of August, Saud Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player to join a club from a top European league on a permanent basis. The right back left Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Hilal to sign for AS Roma in Italy’s Serie A for a reported fee of $3 million.
Now a Champions League player, he continues to be one of Saudi Arabia’s standout players in a difficult period in which Robert Mancini departed and Herev Renard returned to take charge of the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Australia leaves the Green Falcons in third place on six points, behind Australia on goal difference. Hope of automatic qualification remain a strong possibility, but there is little margin for error as Saudi travel to Indonesia for their sixth match in the 10-qualifier group.
Since impressing with Al-Ittihad and then Al-Hilal, the clubs he represented at professional level since 2018, Abdulhamid’s career has been on upward trajectory in recent years.
Football agent Ahmed Almualim, the man behind Abdulhamid’s move to AS Roma, spoke exclusively to Arab News about the financial and professional risks he took to get his client to Italy and the changing landscape of Saudi football.
Ahmed, how did you become an agent, were you always passionate about football or is it business first of all?
I became an agent in 2014. Since I was young, I was always passionate about football. I started my career as a sports journalist when I was very young, aged 19, back in 2009. Before that, I used to write some articles about football, about transfers, on a few blogs. I kept working as a sports journalist until 2014, when I stopped and I started my career as a football agent. It’s more than 10 years now that I’ve been an agent!
Do you have a favorite team in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, it’s not a secret (he laughs). My favorite team in Saudi Arabia is Al-Ahli from Jeddah. I worked as a sports journalist and I used to specifically cover news about Al-Ahli’s transfers. From there, people got to know more about me. I used to go to the stadium when I was young with my friends. Nobody in my family took me, but I went with my friends and neighbours. They all supported Al-Ahli. We were so passionate.
Was it difficult for you to move into this field?
It’s very difficult to work as a football agent because you need certain tools. These tools are the local and the international connections. You need to know people inside clubs, the presidents, the sporting directors, the players. It’s the same for clubs abroad. I work full-time as a football agent and I really enjoy what I’m doing.
Of course, sometimes, in some moments, during some windows, when I have a bad window, I really start thinking: “OK, why do I have to do this job as a full-time job? I can do it as a part-time job like most of the agents in Saudi.” But then I start to motivate myself again and I say: “No, this is my job in football, I’m an agent, a professional one like in Europe, so I have to continue.” And I try to move on.
Did you ever think it was possible to do business with local players moving outside Saudi Arabia?
One of my most important goals when I started was to do business like this, taking players to Europe and opening the borders. And I started this at a lower level. I took a Syrian player, Mahmoud Al-Mawas, to Romania. I had one player in Denmark. Two years ago, I signed a player in Portugal. The most important goal I set for myself was to do something different to what was already on the market.
Saudi players were moving from one domestic club to another, but I wanted to do things differently and not just to transfer a player from Ittihad to Al-Hilal, from Al-Hilal to Al-Ahli, from Al-Ahli to Al-Nassr and so on. I wanted to be the first different agent in this market. I brought many offers from abroad to Saudi national team players but they didn’t want to move on.
How did Roma's interest in Saud Abdulhamid come about?
It’s a story with two chapters. The first one was written in May, when I received a communication from one of the head scouters asking about the player and the conditions for a potential transfer. It started from there. And the second episode started when Florent Ghisolfi became the sporting director of AS Roma. Previously, he was the sporting director of Nice and there he also showed interest in Saud. He knew Saud was in his last year of contract at Hilal. So when he was appointed this season as a sport director of AS Roma, he reconnected with us and showed his interest again.
Do you think that this would have been possible without the Saudi Pro League expanding to the level it has?
People now know the Saudi league more and more. And I think also the players. More and more international players are involved in the league. This gave Saudi a push and a dose of belief that the whole product can be trusted. So, yes, the development of the Saudi league definitely helped. Without the current vibe, it would have been really difficult for such a transfer to take place.
How does it make you feel knowing you orchestrated Abdulhamid’s historic move?
I believe this transfer helped the image of the whole footballing country. It will help other Saudi players to get a chance in Europe, maybe. I believe this move has opened the door for Saudi players in years to come. I’m really proud we did it. It was one of the targets I had set for myself and I’m happy I delivered.
Many people were against this transfer. People who didn’t look at the bigger picture. As an agent, I dropped my interest just to support Saud, in the interests of Saudi Arabian football. I sacrificed a lot of money for this deal to happen.
Can you tell us something about this transfer that an agent would normally try to keep as a secret?
Tough one. OK, let me tell you that right before he signed for Roma, Saud was close to joining Rennes in France. They had a very strong interest in him. He chose to go to Rome because of the challenge. Rennes’ interest was kept secret, it wasn’t mentioned anywhere.
How has Saud settled in Rome?
He’s happy in Rome and everything is in progress for him. He got some minutes. He’s an international player. He featured for the national team on plenty of occasions. He played in the biggest tournament there is, the World Cup. He also played in the Asian Champions League. It wasn’t that big a deal for him to adapt. He was prepared mentally for it to happen. He’s really aware of the challenges that are in store for him. He lives a normal life. He got a house. It was normal for him to start on the bench, we were speaking to the coach and the sporting director and they explained everything. He needs to know the culture of the league, Italian football is difficult. It’s different to any other European country.
Is the development of the SPL helping you as an agent?
It has helped me. And that’s because now it’s so easy to be connected to international agents. They want to do business in Saudi Arabia. From that point, we can cooperate. I can help the international agents to place their players in the Saudi market. And they help me connect to the European clubs. By doing so, I can place the players I already work with in Europe.
From an agent’s perspective, how did Ronaldo signing for Al-Nassr change the landscape of the Saudi League?
In the beginning, I thought it was just a rumor. When I saw he had arrived in Riyadh, I started believing everything was possible in Saudi, starting at that point. It was a big, big, big thing, a massive event. Nobody could believe it. And Ronaldo became the icon of the Saudi league. Because of Ronaldo, many world class players started joining the league. He showed them that it’s a good championship. And this league can grow further and improve in the next few years.
Do you, as an agent, feel that you’re playing a part in this football revolution?
Now, after I did the deal for Saud to AS Roma, I see myself as a small part of this revolution in Saudi sport. I am privileged to have been able to send the best Saudi player to one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
Do you think big stars in Europe might start looking for local agents in Saudi Arabia, were you approached by any big names?
Yes, there are many stars in Europe who got in touch. They showed interest to join the league. They saw how strong it is and how it’s improving. It’s better and better every year.
Of course, the financial aspect plays a big role in the players’ wishes to join. Many top players, including from the Premier League and LaLiga, have contacted me to see how they can come to the Saudi championship.
Many deals that seem done then collapse. What is the most frequent cause?
One of the craziest reasons is that some clubs refuse to pay the agents. They agree about terms with other clubs, they accept the salaries that the players want, but then they don’t take the agents seriously. That’s wrong, because agents are an important part of any deal. It’s not just happened to me, but to many agents, many times, to find themselves in such situations.
What do you do for your players apart from representing them in negotiations?
I try to hire specialists to take care of them. For example, one to take care of nutrition. We need to find the right way to develop their body structures. I have my people working in communications, so players receive professional guidance in this area as well. It’s important that they are aware of how they should handle their media duties. We have a team working together, in my company everyone is a specialist in what they need to do.
Did you ever advise a player to do something even if it was outside your financial interests?
I lost a lot of money after Saud’s move to AS Roma. I did it because I thought he should go to Europe. I believed he could develop more if he went there. That’s my principle, I say the truth whatever it costs me financially. I don’t like to control players.
Green Falcons arrive in Jakarta for World Cup Asian qualifier against Indonesia
- Saudi national football team to hold closed training session before facing hosts on Nov. 19
JAKARTA: The Saudi national football team will train behind closed doors in Jakarta on Saturday in preparation for their 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier match against Indonesia next Tuesday.
The Green Falcons arrived in the Indonesian capital on Friday and are scheduled to face off against the hosts on Nov. 19 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, as part of the sixth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The national team delegation was welcomed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport by the Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amoudi.
Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation, expressed his appreciation to the embassy for the warm reception and the facilities provided to the team following their arrival from Melbourne.
The Green Falcons will hold a closed training session on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Gelora Jakarta Stadium.
Saudi Arabia fight back to stun Germany in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024
NEOM: Hosts Saudi Arabia threw off their opening day defeat against England with a 7-6 win over Germany in the second day of action at the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024.
Spurred on by the support of their fans at Gayal Beach, the national beach soccer team took to the sand on Thursday night.
Al-Hamami and Qasem gave Saudi Arabia a 2-0 lead in the first period and the hosts added two more goals to their tally in the second, Salman and Waleed both finding the net. Germany then closed the gap as Peterson scored a brace.
There was even more action in the third period, as four goals from Germany and two from the home side took the match into extra time at 6-6.
It was left to Waleed to score the winner and reward Saudi Arabia with two points on the board following their first win in this year’s competition.
Also in Group A, after securing a first-day victory against Germany, the UAE struck three times in the first 12 minutes against England with goals from Ali, Kamal and Mousab.
England responded well, finding the back of the net three times in the space of two minutes during the second period courtesy of a Robinson brace and one from Lawson. Despite the setback, A. Abbas restored the advantage for his team before the period ended.
Both teams were on target twice in the third and final period, A. Abbas scoring his second and goalkeeper Bahri hitting the target for the UAE. Lawson got his second for England, with Younie also striking home. But it was not enough, and the UAE clinched their second victory of the tournament to put them on maximum points.
The second Group B match of the day saw a repeat of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2023 final as defending champions Brazil took on Japan.
The scores were even at 2-2 by the end of the first period, as Antonio scored two for Brazil, and Oba and Akaguma found the net for Japan. The teams were tied in the second phase of play too, Benjamin Jr. and Oba scoring within six seconds of each other.
Brazil secured victory in the third and final period with a brace from Edson Hulk and a goal from Datinha, although they conceded goals from Akaguma and Oba.
Eight teams are taking place in the men’s tournament during this third edition of the cup. Group A is made up of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, England and Germany, with Brazil, Spain, Japan and China in Group B.
In the women’s competition, defending champions Spain, 2022 participants England and Ukraine, and 2022 champions Brazil will take to the sand.
