2026 World Cup Qualification: Japan Held to a Goalless Draw by Saudi Arabia

Japan were held to a goalless draw (0-0) by Saudi Arabia in the third round of Asian Zone qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Saitama Stadium in Saitama on Tuesday.

Despite having secured a ticket to 2026, Japan are still missing key players such as Hiroki Ito, Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada.

From the start of the first half, the Blue Samurai continued to attack the Saudi defence, which was playing very defensively.

Japan had 77 per cent of the possession and continued to break down the Saudi defence, which played very tightly.

However, despite Japan’s six shots on target, Al Aqidi’s goal remained safe until the break.

The Blue Samurai continued to attack in the second half, with Take Kubo’s movement creating a number of opportunities.

The Blue Samurai continued to pin down the Falcons’ defence, controlling 79 per cent of the possession in the second half.

Saudi Arabia’s tight defence, which saw them play with ten men in their third tier, made it difficult for Japan to break through. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Line-up:

Japan (3-4-2-1): Sion Suzuki (PG); Yukinari Sugawara, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito; Takai City, Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura; Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada; Daizen Maeda.

Saudi Arabia (4-4-2): Nawaf Al Aqidi (PG); Muhannad Al Shanqiti, Jehad Thakri, Ali Lajami, Hassan Tambakti; Nawaf Abdulrahman, Firas Al Buraikan, Musab Al Juwayr, Faisal Al Ghamdi; Salem Al Dawsari, Marwan Al Sahafi.