Saudi Arabia's Saleh Abu Alshamat, left, attempts a shot at goal in front of Iraq's Ibrahim Bayesh Al-Kaabawi during the World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier fourth-round Group B soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Iraq at Alinma Bank Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (AP )

JEDDAH, Oct 14 (KUNA): Saudi Arabia secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding Iraq to a 0-0 draw in a crucial final round match of the Asian qualifiers at Alinma Stadium.

The draw was enough for the Saudi national team to top Group B on points and goal difference, guaranteeing their place in the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq also finished with four points but will now face the home-and-away playoff matches scheduled for November 13 and 18. The winners of those playoffs advance to the intercontinental playoff for a final chance to reach the tournament.

This marks Saudi Arabia’s seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously competed in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022.

Earlier, Qatar booked its World Cup spot with a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, increasing the total number of Asian teams qualified to eight: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Uzbekistan.