Saudi Arabia’s national football team, the Green Falcons, is edging closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup after earning four valuable points in their latest qualification matches. A hard-fought 1-0 win over China last Thursday, followed by a goalless draw against Japan on Tuesday, leaves Saudi Arabia with 10 points in Group C. They now trail Australia by three points, with Japan already securing the top spot in the group.

As only the top two teams from each group are guaranteed direct qualification, Saudi Arabia must continue to perform well in the upcoming matches to ensure their place in North America next summer.

1. The Japan Result Was a Good One for Saudi Arabia

Despite not claiming all three points in Japan, a 0-0 draw is still considered a positive result for the Green Falcons. Japan is regarded as the best team in Asia, and Saudi Arabia’s defense held strong in a match where tactical discipline and concentration were key. Coach Hervé Renard acknowledged that he would have taken the point if offered before the game. Had Saudi Arabia won their earlier home matches against Indonesia and Bahrain, this result would have been seen as even more favorable.

2. A Defensive Strategy Sacrificed Attacking Threat

In the match against Japan, Saudi Arabia’s defensive approach was clear. The team prioritized keeping things tight at the back and frustrating Japan's attacking play. However, this meant that there were limited offensive opportunities for Saudi Arabia. The Green Falcons relied on long balls from defense but were often unable to break through Japan’s solid backline. While this tactical approach was necessary for gaining a point, it highlighted the need for improvement in attacking play moving forward.

3. Jehad Thakri’s Impressive Debut

With injuries to key defenders, including Hassan Kadesh’s early exit against China, Renard turned to Jehad Thakri to fill the gap. The 23-year-old Al-Qadsiah center-back made an impressive debut, playing on the right side of a three-man defense. Thakri was composed, confident, and strong in the air, showing no signs of nerves despite the high-pressure situation. With his performance, Thakri proved he belongs at the international level, offering a potential solution to Saudi Arabia’s defensive issues.

4. Injuries and Fatigue Played a Key Role

In addition to the tactical challenges, Saudi Arabia has been dealing with a series of injuries that have affected the team’s performance. Key players like Mohamed Kanno, Saud Abdulhamid, and Hassan Kadesh have been sidelined due to injuries, with some longer-term concerns affecting the squad’s overall depth. Furthermore, the team’s extensive travel between matches, including a long-haul trip to Japan, added to the fatigue factor, which could be a concern as the qualifiers progress.

5. All Eyes on the Final Matches Against Bahrain and Australia

With two games remaining in the qualification campaign, the Green Falcons must secure a win in Bahrain to keep their hopes alive. Saudi Arabia also needs Japan to earn a favorable result against Australia in Perth, which would set up a dramatic final match against the Socceroos on June 10. If Saudi Arabia wins that crucial encounter, they would secure second place in the group and a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Renard remains confident that Saudi Arabia can achieve their goal, but the team’s fate will depend on both their performance and external factors in the final stages of qualification.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualification journey is far from over, but their recent results show promising signs. Fans in Qatar and beyond will be hoping that the Green Falcons can capitalize on their recent performances and secure a place in the prestigious tournament next summer.