In a tightly contested matchup at King Saud University Stadium, Saudi Arabia emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over China in crucial Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held on March 20, 2025. The victory reinforced Saudi Arabia's position in the standings, crucially impacting both teams' World Cup ambitions.
Saudi Arabia entered the match hoping to snap a winless streak in World Cup qualifiers. Despite losing several key players to injury, they showcased determination and skill. Their squad, valued at US$33 million, featured talents like Salem Al-Dawsari, a player who has proven invaluable to the team over the years. In the 49th minute, Al-Dawsari scored the decisive goal with a well-placed right-footed shot, following a critical assist from teammate Saud Abdulhamid.
"This result was essential for us," said Saudi Arabia's coach Hervé Renard in his post-match remarks. "We knew this game was pivotal for our campaign, and the team showed excellent resilience." With this win, the Green Falcons not only secured three vital points but also strengthened their hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup after successful outings in both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
On the other side, Chinese coach Branko Ivankovic had high hopes for his team, despite an uphill battle ahead of the match. China has struggled historically against Saudi Arabia, having never won away from home in five previous encounters. The squad, now ranked 90th in the FIFA standings, faced further challenges with their leading striker Wu Lei unavailable due to injury.
"This is a very exciting and important game for us," Ivankovic had stated in a pre-match conference. "We have prepared thoroughly and understand the stakes involved." His faith in his players shone brightly as he highlighted the recent two-week training camp in Dubai designed to help them adapt to the weather and playing conditions typical in West Asia. The team aimed to carry momentum from a recent friendly win against Kuwait into this match.
Despite these preparations, the Dragon's defense faltered in key moments. China’s previous encounter against Saudi Arabia saw them concede twice, and worries about set-piece vulnerabilities loomed large ahead of this match. The tactics formulated during training camps emphasized defending against set pieces, yet the team's previous weaknesses resurfaced as they struggled to contain the waves of Saudi counter-attacks.
Injuries: The match took a concerning turn in the first minute of stoppage time when Saudi defender Hassan Kaddash sustained a severe head injury due to a tackle from Lin Liangming, which resulted in a direct red card after a VAR review. Kaddash was taken off the field on a stretcher, and Ali Lajami replaced him. This incident added tension to an already high-stakes atmosphere, with both coaches noting the impact of injuries on squad morale and performance.
Throughout the first half, neither team was able to break the deadlock, ending 0-0. The growing anticipation from fans was palpable as the second half unfolded, with both teams pushing for the critical points. Analysts had predicted a rough match, with U.K. sports site SportsMole forecasting a 2-0 win for Saudi Arabia, while Singapore's KhelNow was slightly more cautious, anticipating a close battle that could end 1-2 in favor of the Green Falcons.
Match Statistics: Saudi Arabia's squad depth was on display, and Renard's strategic substitutions aimed to fortify their lead. The final score highlighted their attacking pressure, outmatching China, whose ranking remains low—a stark 31 positions behind their opponents.
As the clock ticked, China sought to capitalize on any slivers of opportunity, sending players forward in hopes of equalizing. Lin Liangming, stepping into a pivotal role in the absence of Wu Lei, aimed to exploit weaknesses in the Saudi defense. However, as time ran out, the Green Falcons’ defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais standing as a resolute barrier, contributing to the shutout.
With this victory, Saudi Arabia secured their standing in the race for World Cup qualification, staying competitive in a group where every point is crucial. Following this match, they will next face Indonesia, while China must regroup swiftly as they prepare for impending matches against Australia and Bahrain. Both teams remain in the fight for a spot in the World Cup, with the remaining matches promising intense competition.
As Ivankovic stated, "We trust each other 100 percent. We will give everything on the pitch to get the result we need going forward." The upcoming weeks will be decisive, shaping both teams' paths towards potential World Cup qualification and reflecting their resolve amid adversity.
