Saudi Arabia back on track with Vital Win Over China in World Cup Qualifier

Saudi Arabia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over 10-man China in Riyadh on Thursday, reviving their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes. Salem Al-Dawsari’s second-half goal proved decisive, ending a lengthy goal drought for the Green Falcons and moving them into third place in Group C.

The win puts Saudi Arabia one point behind Australia in the battle for the second automatic qualification spot, and three points clear of Indonesia, Bahrain, and China. Japan lead with nine point more. Japan has already secured the top position, after defeating Bahrain.

The pressure was on Saudi Arabia after collecting just two points from their previous four qualifying matches, and with a challenging trip to group leaders Japan looming on Tuesday.

As expected, Saudi Arabia dominated possession. They came close to taking the lead midway through the first half when Nawaf Boushal’s curling shot struck the underside of the crossbar. Faisal Al-Ghamdi then had a goal disallowed for handball after a VAR review, following his close-range finish from a Musab Al-Juwayr cross.

China’s task was made significantly harder in first-half added time when Lin Liangming was sent off for a tackle on Hassan Kadesh, who had scored both goals in Saudi Arabia’s previous victory over China in September. Kadesh was stretchered off.

Al-Dawsari broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half, scoring Saudi Arabia’s first goal in 410 minutes of qualifying football. Ayman Yahya’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Wang Dalei, and Saud Abdulhamid squared the ball for Al-Dawsari to sweep home from close range.

Saudi Arabia continued to press for a second goal but were unable to find a way through the Chinese defense. However, the single goal proved sufficient to secure a vital three points.

The top two teams in the six-team group qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams advance to a playoff phase. The victory provides a much-needed boost for Herve Renard’s side as they aim to secure a place at the 2026 tournament.