What began on dusty parking lots in Saudi Arabia has now reached football’s biggest stage.
If you’ve grown up in Saudi Arabia, you know football isn’t just a game but a part of life. From makeshift pitches in parking lots to boys wearing their favourite club jerseys, the passion has always been there. And now, that love has reached a new height because Saudi Arabia has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
On 14 October at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s football team secured its spot after a draw against Iraq in the final round of the Asian qualifiers. This was the exact result that the Saudi team needed, and as the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted with over 6,000 fans in the stands. This draw guaranteed Saudi Arabia’s spot in the World Cup, making it the country’s seventh appearance in the tournament and the third in a row.
It’s not just Saudi Arabia celebrating this time. In a truly historic moment, seven Arab nations have clinched direct qualification for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan made the cut, with the latter qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. From Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt all topped their groups. Now, Iraq and the UAE will battle it out for a potential eighth Arab spot.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in June 2026, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. It’s the first time 48 teams will compete, meaning more matches and more drama.
From dusty pitches in Riyadh to the world’s grandest football arenas, Saudi Arabia’s football journey has been nothing short of remarkable. By bringing in global stars to the Saudi Pro League, and now looking ahead to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034, it’s clear the world’s eyes are turning towards the Kingdom as a sports hub.
GO: Visit www.fifa.com for more information.