Dushanbe, March 27, 2024, The Saudi national football team has delayed its qualification for the crucial third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This decision followed a 1-1 draw against the host Tajikistan in a match held on Tuesday evening in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as part of the fourth round in Group Seven during the second round of qualifiers.
The Saudi team initially took the lead with a goal from Feras Al-Brikan, who headed the ball into the net after a precise cross from Mohammed Al-Brik in the 46th minute. However, Tajikistan intensified their efforts and managed to equalize through Rustam Soirov in the 80th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Despite the draw, the Saudi team maintained its position at the top of the group with 10 points. However, they still require one more point to officially secure their spot in the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
On the other hand, Tajikistan's team improved its points tally to five, securing the second position in the group standings.
