JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — In a high-voltage showdown, Saudi Arabia overcame an early deficit to edge Indonesia 3-2 in the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at King Abdullah Sports City on Wednesday.
Only the Group B winner earns a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up faces the Group A runner-up over two legs for a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs. Indonesia, ranked 119th—60 spots below their hosts—drew first blood, as Kevin Diks coolly converted a penalty in the 11th minute.
Six minutes later, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat leveled the score with a skilful strike from outside the box that curled into the bottom corner. The evening’s storyline unfolded through three penalties, the second awarded in the 36th minute when a tug on Feras Al-Brikan’s jersey sent him to the spot. He made no mistake, putting the Saudis ahead.
Al-Brikan doubled his tally in the 62nd minute, drilling home a rebound after Musab Al-Juwayr’s long-range effort was tipped away. Indonesia won a third penalty in the 88th minute, and Diks struck again, but time ran out on their comeback bid.
With momentum on their side, Saudi Arabia sits in a strong position to chase the top spot in Group B. Indonesia will regroup ahead of a clash with Iraq on Saturday, before Saudi Arabia hosts the same opponent on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Group A action saw hosts Qatar held to a goalless draw by Oman in Al Rayyan. The UAE will face Oman on Saturday and then Qatar on Tuesday as the battle for qualification intensifies.
Reference(s):
Saudi Arabia top Indonesia 3-2 in fourth round of World Cup Qualifying
cgtn.com
