Saudi Arabia Edge Indonesia 3-2 in Thrilling Start to World Cup 2026 Play-Offs

Saudi Arabia kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Indonesia, while hosts of the 2022 tournament, Qatar, were held to a goalless draw by Oman in Group A.

At King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, six-time World Cup participants Saudi Arabia found themselves behind early against a determined Indonesian side. A handball by Hassan Al Tambakti following a close-range header by Jay Idzes resulted in a penalty after a lengthy VAR review. Kevin Diks stepped up confidently to convert from the spot in the 11th minute, giving Indonesia a shock lead.

Managed by Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert, Indonesia are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since gaining independence in 1945. However, their lead lasted just six minutes. Making his competitive international debut, Saleh Abu Shamat equalised for the Saudis with a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area.

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The home side continued to press and came close again when Abu Shamat struck the crossbar with a powerful effort. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Feras Al Buraikan was brought down in the box by Yakob Sayuri. Following another VAR check, Al Buraikan confidently dispatched the resulting penalty to give Saudi Arabia a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The second half saw continued pressure from the Saudis. Though Indonesia’s goalkeeper Maarten Paes denied Al Buraikan with a superb save from close range, the striker eventually made it 3-1 by finishing a rebound just after the hour mark.

Indonesia pulled one back late in the match after Nawaf Bu Washl handled the ball in the area, allowing Diks to score his second penalty of the night and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Tensions flared in the closing minutes when Saudi substitute Mohammed Kanno was shown a second yellow card for dissent, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Despite the late drama, Saudi Arabia held on for a vital win and now top Group B. They will host Iraq next Tuesday, while Indonesia will face Iraq this Saturday in a must-win clash.

In Group A action earlier in the day, Qatar were held to a 0-0 draw by Oman at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Julen Lopetegui’s side struggled to create clear chances, with Akram Afif offering the main threat for the reigning Asian champions.

The result leaves Group A wide open, giving the UAE a potential advantage. The 1990 World Cup qualifiers will take on Oman on Saturday before a crucial match against Qatar next week.

With six teams competing across two groups, the winners of each group will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The runners-up will face off in a two-legged playoff, with the victor moving on to an intercontinental playoff for a final spot at the tournament.