Al Ahli duo fires Saudi Arabia to verge of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia took a major step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a come-from-behind victory against Indonesia in Jeddah courtesy of Al Ahli pair Feras Al Buraikan and Saleh Abu Shamat.

The Green Falcons, attempting to reach a third successive global finals, triumphed 3-2 at Alinma Stadium on Wednesday night in the first of their two matches in the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers.

They now sit top of Group B with Ibrahim Bayesh’s Iraq to come next Tuesday, with the pool winners sealing a spot at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Against Indonesia, Saudi were 1-0 down early on when Kevin Diks’ converted a penalty but, to their credit, the hosts completely turned around the match not long before half-time.

First, Abu Shamat marked his competitive international debut with a brilliant strike from range - the Al Ahli summer signing then rocked the Indonesia crossbar from even further out - before Al Buraikan slammed home a penalty of his own.

Herve Renard’s side had a number of chances in the second half to prevail by a wider margin, but in the end had only another Al Buraikan goal to celebrate. This time, the Al Ahli forward pounced on a rebound not long after the hour to finish emphatically.

Still, Indonesia set up a nervy closing few minutes when Diks’ again kept his cool from 12 yards, while Al Hilal midfielder Mohammed Kanno was sent off in injury-time.

However, the home side held on for a massive three points. They can see on the horizon that tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico eight months from now.

“This evening, the most important thing is the three points,” Renard said afterwards. “We are leading the group, and we need to negotiate very well the second game and get the qualification for the World Cup.

“When you are head coach you can’t do anything without the players. If I’m confident it’s because they gave me this confidence. I know they are determined; they are concentrated.”