Overview

• Saudi Arabia hosts Iraq in Jeddah needing only a draw to clinch a direct 2026 World Cup berth, while Iraq must win to advance.
• The UAE visit Qatar knowing a draw or victory would end a 36‑year wait for qualification, as Qatar require a home win.
• Saudi Arabia lead the playoff mini-table on goals scored after a 3-2 comeback against Indonesia featuring a Firas Al‑Buraikan brace.
• Iraq stayed in contention with a late winner over Indonesia scored by Zidan Iqbal in the previous round of matches.
• Syria secured a place at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia with a 3-0 win over Myanmar, led by a Pablo Subagh brace and a Mohamed Al‑Salakhdi goal.