Saudi Arabia defeated Indonesia 3-2 in Jeddah to move within one win of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A victory against Iraq next Tuesday, also in Jeddah, would secure Saudi Arabia first place in Group B and a seventh appearance at the World Cup.
In the fourth round of Asian qualifiers, only the group winners earn automatic qualification. The runners-up move on to a fifth and final round.
Indonesia, led by former Netherlands and Barcelona forward Patrick Kluivert, took the lead in the 11th minute when Kevin Diks converted a penalty. Saudi Arabia equalised six minutes later through Saleh Abu Al-Shamat.
Firas Al-Buraikan then gave Saudi Arabia the lead from the spot in the 37th minute and scored again just after the hour mark to make it 3-1. Diks pulled one back for Indonesia with another penalty in the 89th minute, but the hosts held firm despite Mohamed Kanno being sent off in added time.
Indonesia’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1938 will end if they lose to Iraq on Saturday.
In Group A, Qatar were held to a goalless draw by Oman in Al-Rayyan.
“We played well against a team that defended strongly and closed down space,” said Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui. “We created several chances but couldn’t finish them.”
Oman coach Carlos Queiroz said he was satisfied with the draw. “It was a fair result. A defeat would have hurt both teams,” he said. “We will prepare well to face the UAE and keep our World Cup dream alive.”
