JEDDAH: Six-time World Cup participants Saudi Arabia were made to sweat before overcoming a spirited Indonesia 3-2 in a dramatic opening playoff for the 2026 finals at King Abdullah Sports City here.
The Saudis, favourites to progress from Group B, fell behind in the 11th minute when a VAR review penalised defender Hassan Al Tambakti for handball, allowing midfielder Kevin Diks to calmly convert from the spot.
Indonesia, led by former Netherlands and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, briefly dreamed of an upset before debutant Saleh Abu Shamat levelled six minutes later with a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box. The Al Ahli midfielder then rattled the bar moments later.
Saudi Arabia turned the game around on 36 minutes when Feras Al Buraikan converted a penalty awarded after Yakob Sayuri’s foul. Al Buraikan, a 2025 Asian Champions League winner, later pounced on a rebound to make it 3-1 just past the hour mark.
Diks gave Indonesia late hope by netting another penalty after Nawaf Bu Washl handled inside the area, but despite substitute Mohammed Kanno’s dismissal for dissent, the hosts held on for all three points.
Saudi Arabia now lead Group B ahead of their next clash against Iraq on Tuesday, while Indonesia meet Iraq on Saturday.
The winners of each group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the runners-up facing off for a spot in the intercontinental playoff. – AFP
