Japan vs Saudi Arabia: 2026 World Cup Qualifying Showdown
Japan aims to continue their domination in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they host Saudi Arabia in Saitama on Tuesday. Fresh off a victory against Bahrain, the Samurai Blue have already secured their place in next summer’s tournament, while Saudi Arabia sits in third place in Group C.
Match Preview
Japan became the first team to book their ticket to the next World Cup, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph over Bahrain last Thursday, with Daichi Kamada and Take Kubo finding the net. Boasting an unbeaten streak across 13 qualifying matches—which includes six wins out of seven in the third stage—Japan seeks to maintain their flawless record in their final three matches against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Indonesia. This will be their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Looking at their performance, Japan is set for another spirited offensive spree, having netted 24 goals in seven Group C matches—10 more than any other team in this qualifying round. Under Hajime Moriyasu’s leadership, their defense is just as formidable, having secured 11 clean sheets out of their 13 qualifiers.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia needs to push hard to secure a third consecutive World Cup appearance. With only two wins in their seven second-round matches—both against China, including a 1-0 victory on Thursday—Saudi Arabia finds themselves one point shy of automatic qualification and three points safe from the bottom two. Improvement in their attack is crucial as they have failed to score in four of their last five qualifying matches. However, they have shown resilience away from home, achieving three wins, two draws, and only one defeat.
Team News
Japan will go without midfielder Hidemasa Morita and attacker Ayase Ueda, who have both withdrawn due to injuries. Ao Tanaka of Leeds United and Holstein Kiel’s Shuto Machino are likely replacements. Crystal Palace’s Kamada, who scored coming off the bench on Thursday, is pushing for a starting position, with Junya Ito also in contention to feature from the outset.
For Saudi Arabia, Coach Herve Renard is likely to miss Roma defender Saud Abdulhamid due to a muscle injury from the match against China. Additionally, Al-Ittihad’s Hassan Kadesh, who left the game early, is doubtful for Tuesday. Ali Lajami is expected to cover for Kadesh in the central defense, while Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti is slated to replace Abdulhamid at right-back.
Japan probable lineup: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, H. Ito; J. Ito, Endo, Tanaka, Mitoma; Kubo, Kamada; Machino
Saudi Arabia probable lineup: Al-Aqidi; Al-Shanqeeti, Tambakti, Lajami, Boushal; Al-Juwayr, Al-Ghamdi, Yahya, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Prediction
Japan is predicted to edge out a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. Although Saudi Arabia will be eager to achieve a favorable outcome to enhance their qualification prospects, Japan’s formidable record of 12 wins from 13 matches in this qualifying cycle tips the scales in their favor.