Asian World Cup Qualifier Round 4 Kicks Off with High Drama and a Stalemate
Jeddah / Doha – October 8, 2025 – The highly anticipated fourth round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 began yesterday with a thrilling five-goal encounter and a tense, goalless draw, setting the stage for a dramatic race to secure an automatic berth in the finals.
In Group B, Saudi Arabia clawed their way back from an early deficit to defeat Indonesia 3-2 in a chaotic and pulsating match played at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah.
Indonesia, coached by former Dutch international Patrick Kluivert, took the lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute through Kevin Diks. However, the Green Falcons quickly responded, with Saleh Abu Al-Shamat leveling the score six minutes later. Saudi Arabia then took the lead before halftime after Feras Al-Brikan successfully converted a penalty in the 36th minute.
Al-Brikan doubled his tally and extended the lead in the 62nd minute with a close-range finish, making it 3-1. The final minutes of the match were marked by chaos, as Diks scored his second from another penalty in the 88th minute to keep Indonesian hopes alive. Saudi Arabia’s victory was secured despite a late sending-off for Mohammed Kanno in stoppage time, which left the home side with 10 players for the final few moments.
The hard-fought win provisionally places Saudi Arabia at the top of Group B.
Oman and Qatar Battle to Gritty Goalless Draw
The opening match of Group A saw hosts Qatar held to a 0-0 draw by a resolute Oman at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
In what was described as a cagey affair with few clear-cut opportunities, the Omani defense, led by their reliable goalkeeper, managed to frustrate the 2022 World Cup hosts. Qatar dominated possession but struggled to turn their superiority into meaningful chances against a well-organized Omani side.
Qatar’s best chance came early in the second half when star forward Akram Afif weaved past a couple of defenders but fired his shot wide. Both teams settled for a point each, leaving Group A wide open with the United Arab Emirates yet to play their first match.
The fourth round of qualifying continues on Saturday with the United Arab Emirates taking on Oman in Group A and Iraq facing Indonesia in Group B. Only the winner of each group will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the runners-up will advance to a final Asian playoff round.
