Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 23:41 / Updated on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 23:42
Saudi Arabia officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday night. The result was enough for the Green Falcons to finish first in Group B of the Asian qualifiers.
For the successful performance, each player of the national team will receive a bonus of approximately 1.2 million euros, according to the publication Asharq Business. It is one of the biggest premiums ever offered in Asian football.
The amount, equivalent to 5 million Saudi Riyals, will be awarded at the initiative of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, the Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia.
Who is Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal
Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal has been the Minister of Sports in Saudi Arabia since 2019 and is instrumental in transforming the kingdom into a global sports hub. A former professional driver, he competed in races such as the Porsche GT3 Cup and the 24H Dubai, becoming one of the iconic figures of Saudi motorsport.
He is currently also the president of the Saudi Olympic Committee and the Arab Football Union (UAFA). Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has attracted major events such as Formula 1, WWE, world boxing galas and international e-sports competitions, part of the Vision 2030 strategy of economic diversification and social modernization.
Seventh World Cup appearance for Saudi Arabia, third in a row
Saudi Arabia will be making an appearance at a world tournament final for the seventh time in history, and the third time in a row.
His best performance remains that of 1994, when he reached the round of 16 on his World Cup debut.
The qualification was celebrated as a national event
After the final whistle, the players and technical staff received a hero's welcome and the qualification was celebrated in the streets of Jeddah and Riyadh. The atmosphere was one of total euphoria in the Kingdom.
The other qualified teams from Asia
Besides Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Qatar and Jordan have already secured their World Cup tickets.
On the other side, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq will play in the play-off for the last available places.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will be the first edition with 48 participating teams.
