Saudi Gazette report

KUALA LUMPUR — The Asian Football Confederation on Thursday held the draw for the final play-off round of 2026 World Cup qualification, placing Saudi Arabia in Group B alongside Iraq and Indonesia.

Six teams are competing for two remaining direct slots to the expanded 48-team World Cup, joining the six Asian nations that already secured qualification in the previous round: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

Saudi Arabia, placed in Pot 1 alongside Qatar, will begin their Group B campaign against Indonesia on October 8, followed by a crucial clash with Iraq on October 14.

Group A features Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. Only the top team in each group will secure direct qualification.

The second-placed teams will face off in a single elimination match, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play-off for a final shot at qualification.

The draw was conducted at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with team representatives in attendance.

It was presided over by Timur Kapadze, who recently led Uzbekistan to their first-ever World Cup qualification.

The final play-off round offers a last opportunity for regional powerhouses like Saudi Arabia to secure a spot at the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.