5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers
Herve Renard during Saudi Arabia’s latest training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier against China in Riyadh. (X: @SaudiNT)
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Updated 19 March 2025
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5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers
  • Herve Renard’s Green Falcons take on China in Riyadh on Thursday before next week’s away clash in Japan

LONDON: Qualification for the 2026 World Cup enters a crucial phase in the next few days as Saudi Arabia host China at home on Thursday in Riyadh and then head to Japan for Tuesday’s clash.

After six games of 10 in the third round of qualification, Japan are nine points clear, leaving the other five countries chasing the other automatic spot.

The battle is fierce, with just one point separating Australia in second and China in sixth, with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in between.

There is much to talk about, but here are five things to look out for in the coming week.

China match a must-win for Saudi

There’s no getting around the need for victory. Saudi Arabia have won just one of six games so far in Group C and hopes of automatic qualification are very much in the balance. The good news for coach Herve Renard is that rivals for second spot have also been stumbling. There is still time for a team to make a break for North America and leave the others behind.

The other good news for Renard is that China are the only team that the Green Falcons have beaten so far, thanks to a last-minute header from Hassan Kadesh. Saudi Arabia are clear favorites to win, but the pressure is on.

China will be delighted with a point but know that if they can keep things tight and frustrate the home team — and given that Saudi Arabia have not scored in the last four qualifiers since that Kadesh goal then this is a real possibility — then the atmosphere in Riyadh could become anxious quite quickly, providing the visitors with an opportunity to go home with a win. Somehow, the home team need to start taking chances.

Renard has been bold and picked players in form

The Frenchman returned in October to take over after a poor start during Roberto Mancini’s stint as coach of Saudi Arabia. His first game back was a fighting 0-0 draw in Australia that was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Indonesia that has made things difficult.

Renard has made a number of changes to the squad since that traumatic night in Jakarta and added new faces — players like Jehad Thakri, who has been impressive in defense with Al-Qadsiah and Muhannad Al-Saad who has been in action for Dunkerque in the French second tier. Intriguingly, there may be a debut for 32-year-old striker Abdullah Al-Salem. The powerful forward has been in form for Al-Khaleej, reaching double figures for the club in the lower reaches of mid-table.

Picking players who are playing well for clubs is always a good idea but not always that common in international football. If one of the new players can step up and repay Renard’s faith, then it may just make the difference.

A trip to Japan is as tough as it gets but …

In October, Japan came to Jeddah to win 2-0 in a clinical display. It was already clear then that the Samurai Blue were on their way to the World Cup as Group C winners. It is highly likely that the team will beat Bahrain at home, they won 5-0 in the away fixture, to become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

That can be good news for Saudi Arabia. Going east to face a Japan desperate for points would be the toughest task possible in Asian football, but if the hosts have already qualified and in something of a party mood, then there is hope.

Saudi Arabia finished above Japan in qualification for the 2022 World Cup and while that is not going to happen this time, there is always a chance in a one-off match.

The stars need to step up on long trip

It remains to be seen if in-form midfielder Mohamed Kanno is fit to face China after picking up an injury, although the Al-Hilal star will be hoping to make the long trip east and take the pitch at Saitama Stadium. His energy, drive and experience will be needed.

There may be some necessary new blood in the squad but Saudi Arabia will also look to Salem Al-Dawsari, the talisman, to make something happen with a moment of magic. The same with Saud Abdulhamid. Japan are a team full of European-based stars but the right-back has some form with Roma.

It is not just about dealing with the 90 minutes on the pitch, but the whole trip. It is unfortunate that while Japan have two games in the same stadium and can rest and relax, Saudi Arabia face China in Riyadh and then face a long journey across six time zones. Such is life in Asian football, but the stars have been here before and need to show how it is done.

Whatever happens, it’s not over

Even if there are a pair of wins in the coming days, there is still work to do, and the same would be true with two defeats. There are two more qualifiers in June in Bahrain and then a final clash against Australia. There are two automatic spots, one almost certainly reserved for Japan and one other, but there is another route. The six teams that finish third and fourth in the three groups will advance to another stage to compete for two more World Cup spots.

Of the five teams in the hunt for second, Australia and Saudi Arabia would consider finishing third as a disappointment, but Bahrain, China and Indonesia would almost certainly feel differently. That adds an extra dimension to the coming games. Whatever happens, Saudi Arabia need to ensure that they do not slip out of the top four while they battle for a place in the top two.


NEOM SC promoted to SPL after beating Al-Arabi 3-0 in Saudi 1st Division

NEOM SC promoted to SPL after beating Al-Arabi 3-0 in Saudi 1st Division
Updated 22 April 2025
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NEOM SC promoted to SPL after beating Al-Arabi 3-0 in Saudi 1st Division

NEOM SC promoted to SPL after beating Al-Arabi 3-0 in Saudi 1st Division
  • A brace by Ahmad Abdo, and a goal by Saeed Bin Rahma were enough to promote the Tabuk-based club to first-tier SPL

RIYADH: NEOM Sports Club were promoted to the Roshn Saudi Pro League on Tuesday after defeating Al-Arabi Club 3-0 in the Saudi First Division.
A brace by Ahmad Abdo, and a goal by Saeed Bin Rahma were enough to promote the Tabuk-based club from the second tier of Saudi football to the first-tier SPL.
Celebrating their promotion after their win, NEOM said on X: “With the determination of heroes, we made history. Officially, Neom Sports Club is promoted to the Roshn League.”


Italy’s Serie A fixtures rescheduled due to Pope Francis’ funeral

Italy’s Serie A fixtures rescheduled due to Pope Francis’ funeral
Updated 22 April 2025
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Italy’s Serie A fixtures rescheduled due to Pope Francis’ funeral

Italy’s Serie A fixtures rescheduled due to Pope Francis’ funeral
  • Lazio were to play Parma in Rome on Saturday, which has been rescheduled for Monday
  • Serie A postponed Monday’s matches after the Pope’s death

ROME: Italy’s top-flight Serie A soccer league has postponed Saturday’s three fixtures until Sunday due to Pope Francis’ funeral being held that day in Rome, it said on Tuesday.
Earlier media reports had suggested that Serie A might make an exception for Inter Milan’s clash with visitors AS Roma to allow Simone Inzaghi’s side additional rest time ahead of their midweek Champions League semifinal at Barcelona.
But the league has confirmed that the game at San Siro will now kick off at 1500 local time (1300 GMT) on Sunday.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday aged 88. His funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Square in front of the Basilica of St. Peter before the burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Lazio were to play Parma in Rome on Saturday, which has been rescheduled for Monday at 2045 (1845 GMT), while Como’s home game with Genoa has been moved to Sunday at 1230 (1030 GMT).
Serie A postponed Monday’s matches after the Pope’s death, with the games rescheduled for Wednesday, and on Tuesday Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI) called for the suspension of all sporting events scheduled for Saturday.


Al-Nassr leave it late to defeat Damac and remain in the Saudi Pro League top 3

Al-Nassr leave it late to defeat Damac and remain in the Saudi Pro League top 3
Updated 22 April 2025
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Al-Nassr leave it late to defeat Damac and remain in the Saudi Pro League top 3

Al-Nassr leave it late to defeat Damac and remain in the Saudi Pro League top 3
  • 94th-minute winner gives them a 3-2 victory that moves them within 2 points of 2nd-place Al-Hilal
  • Al-Ahli remain in the hunt for a top-3 spot after a 3-1 win at Al-Wehda that leaves them trailing Al-Nassr by just 2 points

There was no Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad but, in the end, that was no problem for Al-Nassr who defeated Damac 3-2 in dramatic fashion on Tuesday to move within two points of second-place Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. A 94th-minute winner from Sultan Al-Ghannam secured the victory.

With five games left to play, Al-Ittihad top the table on 68 points, followed by Al-Hilal on 62 and Al-Nassr on 60. Al-Ahli are in fourth spot on 58 points following a 3-2 victory over Al-Wehda.

With Ronaldo being rested ahead of Saturday’s AFC Champions League quarter-final against Yokohama F. Marinos, Jhon Duran led the line for the Yellows but the goals came from less-likely sources.

It was home team Damac who opened the scoring, in the 18th minute, with an unusual goal. From a corner kick delivery, Abdelkader Bedrane produced a controlled header that sent the ball toward goal, only for it to rebound off the post, hit Ramzi Solan and bounce into the Al-Nassr goal.

It took just seven minutes for the visitors to equalize, courtesy of Aymeric Laporte’s fourth league goal of the season. Damac failed to clear a corner from the right and the Spanish defender hooked a shot through a crowded area and into the net.

Into the second half, and Ali Al-Hassan put Al-Nassr in the lead with 20 minutes remaining when he side-footed smartly into the top corner from close to the penalty spot.

The lead lasted just three minutes before it was canceled out by a goal of real quality. Dhari Al-Anazi found Nicolae Stanciu just inside the area, and the Romanian turned and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Al-Ghannam won it for Al-Nassr deep into added time, lashing home a loose ball from the edge of a crowded six-yard box.

Al-Ahli are still in the hunt for a top-three finish thanks to victory at Al-Wehda. The Jeddah giants took the lead after just six minutes after Ivan Toney headed a corner against the woodwork and Roger Ibanez was the first to react, bundling the ball home.

Galeno extended the lead just before the hour mark, and although Al-Wehda pulled one back, Riyad Mahrez sealed the victory just before the end. The Greens go into their Champions League quarter-final clash with Buriram United of Thailand on Saturday in a fine run of form, with three wins and a draw in their last four league games.


Alcaraz waiting on results from medical tests to see if he will play in Madrid

Alcaraz waiting on results from medical tests to see if he will play in Madrid
Updated 22 April 2025
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Alcaraz waiting on results from medical tests to see if he will play in Madrid

Alcaraz waiting on results from medical tests to see if he will play in Madrid
  • “I feel fine physically,” the 21-year-old Spaniard said
  • Alcaraz won the Madrid title in 2022 and 2023

MADRID: Carlos Alcaraz said Tuesday he is feeling fine but will wait on results from medical tests to decide whether he will play at the Madrid Open.
The third-ranked Alcaraz needed treatment on his upper right leg during his straight-set loss to Holger Rune in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday.
“I feel fine physically,” the 21-year-old Spaniard said. “I’ve had tests, and we’ll see what the results say. I’m used to playing with discomfort, so let’s hope I can play and enjoy Madrid.”
Alcaraz, who won in Monte Carlo earlier this month, is expected to have his opening match later this week. He is the No. 2 seed.
Alcaraz won the Madrid title in 2022 and 2023. He is in the same half of the draw as three-time champion Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed.
Alexander Zverev, who overcame Alcaraz for the No. 2 ranking in the world after winning in Munich last weekend, is the top seed in Madrid. Defending champion Andrey Rublev is the seventh seed.


Rahul powers Delhi to big win over Lucknow in IPL

Rahul powers Delhi to big win over Lucknow in IPL
Updated 22 April 2025
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Rahul powers Delhi to big win over Lucknow in IPL

Rahul powers Delhi to big win over Lucknow in IPL
  • Chasing a modest 160 for victory, Delhi rode on Rahul’s 42-ball knock and a second-wicket partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51, to achieve their target
  • Delhi, with six wins in eight matches, bounced back from their previous defeat to table-toppers Gujarat Titans and are second in the 10-team table

LUCKNOW, India: India’s KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 57 to steer Delhi Capitals to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and get his side back to winning ways in the IPL on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest 160 for victory, Delhi rode on Rahul’s 42-ball knock and a second-wicket partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51, to achieve their target with 13 balls to spare at Lucknow’s home ground.
Delhi, with six wins in eight matches, bounced back from their previous defeat to table-toppers Gujarat Titans and are second in the 10-team table.
Seam bowler Mukesh Kumar set up victory with his four wickets as he helped pull Lucknow back from 87-0 to 110-4 and then a below-par total of 159-6.
“Once we picked up two quick wickets, we got the momentum and all the bowlers did well to restrict them under 160,” Delhi skipper Axar Patel said.
In reply, Delhi lost Karun Nair for 15 bowled by Aiden Markram, a part-time off spinner, but Porel and Rahul combined to get the chase on track in their stand of 69.
Markram struck again to get the left-handed Porel out after his 36-ball knock, which was laced with five fours and one six.
Rahul stood firm and along with Axar, who made 34, put on an unbeaten stand of 56 to steer the team home with a winning six from Rahul.
Rahul hit his third fifty of the season to go past 5,000 runs in the IPL — making him the quickest player to achieve the feat in the T20 tournament.
Earlier, openers Markram (52) and Mitchell Marsh (45) combined the right dose of caution and aggression to steer Lucknow to 87 inside 10 overs.
South African batter Markram raised his fifty and alongside Australia’s Marsh forced Delhi to rotate their bowling options.
Sri Lanka pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera struck first to send back Markram caught out, and the wicket triggered a mini collapse.
Australia’s left-arm quick Mitchell Starc got the big wicket of West indies left-hander Nicholas Pooran, bowled for nine.
Mukesh then got two wickets in one over, including Marsh, and Lucknow wobbled.
Lucknow subbed out Marsh and got Ayush Badoni as the impact player, and the 25-year-old repaid the decision by regularly finding the boundary.
Badoni made the most of a dropped catch by Tristan Stubbs on three to smash 36 off 21 deliveries.
Badoni hammered Mukesh for three successive boundaries in the 20th over but the bowler bowled him on the fourth ball.
Skipper Rishabh Pant dropped himself down to number seven but faced just two balls before being bowled by Mukesh on the final delivery of the innings.
“We knew we were 20 runs short,” said Pant. “In Lucknow, the toss plays a big part. Whoever is bowling first, they get a lot of help from the wicket. We just had to stay back, we just couldn’t get it away.”
Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who went to Lucknow for a record bid of $3.21 million in the November auction, has scored 106 runs in eight innings with a highest score of 63.