The AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reach a pivotal stage as Saudi Arabia hosts Iraq in a crucial Group B fourth-round playoff tie at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match, kicking off at 7:45 p.m. UK time (2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT), this match will determine which team secures automatic qualification, with the winner earning a direct spot and the loser advancing to the fifth round.
Saudi Arabia requires a win to overtake Iraq, who are ahead on goal difference and can secure qualification with a draw. The Saudi Arabia vs Iraq 2026 World Cup qualifiers preview includes predictions, team news, lineups, and details on how to watch the match live, along with form, stats, and key information for this crucial clash.
The Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match winner qualified hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup alive. As of 14 October, out of 48 teams, 22 have qualified, while most of the teams have been eliminated before the October window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and How to Watch – 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq is a must-win qualifier that could secure a 2026 World Cup spot for the winners. With Saudi Arabia favored at home, expect drama and key performances
- Date and Time: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- TV and Streaming (USA): Not televised; stream on Paramount+ or YouTube (select regions)
- Global Options: FIFA+ (free in select regions), or local broadcasters like SSC (Saudi Arabia) and Al Iraqiya (Iraq)
- Live Scores and Updates: FIFA.com, ESPN, or Sofascore for real-time stats and highlights
This fixture is part of the AFC Asian Qualifiers fourth round playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where six teams are divided into two groups of three.
Winners of each group qualify directly, while runners-up advance to the fifth round for Asia’s final direct spot and a playoff berth. Asia has eight automatic spots plus one inter-confederation playoff slot.
Saudi Arabia, coached by Roberto Mancini, is aiming for their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance. Iraq, under Jesús Casas, seeks their second finals berth since 1986.
Historically, Iraq has won five of the last eight meetings, but Saudi Arabia edged a 2-1 friendly win in 2022. Expect a tense affair at the 62,241-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, where Saudi Arabia’s home advantage could be key.
Current Standings in AFC Fourth-Round Group B
As of October 13, 2025 (prior to the final matchday), Group B standings are:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iraq | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Indonesia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
Both Saudi Arabia and Iraq beat Indonesia 1-0 and drew 0-0 with each other in the opener. Iraq leads on goal difference, meaning a draw qualifies them, while Saudi Arabia must win.
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Match Preview
Saudi Arabia began the fourth round with a 0-0 draw against Iraq but fell to a 0-1 loss to Indonesia, leaving them needing a win.
They’ve won just three of their last 10 qualifiers (D4 L3), but home form is strong, unbeaten in five (W3 D2). Mancini’s side dominates possession but lacks cutting edge, scoring once in two games.
Iraq started with a 1-0 win over Indonesia and the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, unbeaten in the round. They’ve won four of their last six qualifiers (D1 L1), with solid defense (clean sheets in both games).
Casas’ team thrives on counters, but away form shows vulnerabilities, losing two of five recent road qualifiers.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Saudi Arabia Team News
Saudi Arabia could be unchanged from their win over Indonesia, but they are unable to call on midfielder Mohamed Kanno, who was sent off as a substitute.
Firas Albirakan is bound to lead the attack after his brace, while Muhammad Abu Al Shamat will keep his place on the right.
Salem Al-Dawsari remains a danger on the left, approaching 100 caps with over 20 goals. Nasser Al-Dawsari and Abdulelah Al-Khaibari will partner in midfield.
Possible Saudi Arabia Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Al-Aqidi; Boushal, Thakri, Al-Tambakti, Al-Harbi; Al-Khaibari, N Al-Dawsari; Al Shamat, Al-Juwayr, S Al-Dawsari; Albirakan.
Iraq Team News
Iraq are unlikely to make many changes after their win over Indonesia, although defender Zaid Tahseen is ruled out after a late red card. Rebin Sulaka will likely join Manaf Younis in defense.
Mohanad Ali leads the attack with 24 international goals, while Zidane Iqbal has a claim to start in midfield after his decisive goal off the bench.
Possible Iraq Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Hassan; Ali, Younis, Sulaka, Doski; Bayesh, Iqbal, Al-Ammari, Rasan; Karim, Ali.
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Prediction
In a decisive contest with a World Cup spot on the line, Saudi Arabia’s home advantage and quality should seal top spot with a victory. Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-0 Iraq. The Green Falcons qualify directly.
How to Watch Saudi Arabia vs Iraq 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
The match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico as a pay-per-view event. In many countries, you can stream the match via platforms that carry beIN or regional broadcasters.
In the UK, for example, the fixture is available via bet365’s live sports streaming service. In Asia, the match may also be accessible on FanCode, which carries live streaming of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers.
