Saudi Arabia and China will meet at the King Saud University Stadium on Thursday (21 March) in a continuation of the Asian Zone’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The two teams are currently level on goal difference in Group C and both have their sights set on finishing in the top two to progress directly to the next round.
Saudi Arabia: Mission to Rise on Home Ground
Hervé Renard’s Saudi Arabia go into the game under immense pressure. The Green Falcons have failed to win any of their last three qualifiers, including a 2-0 defeat to Indonesia in November.
They currently sit fourth on six points, a point behind second-placed Australia.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has a strong tradition in World Cup qualifying, having successfully qualified for the last two editions (2018 & 2022). However, their performance in the third round was underwhelming.
The absence of key players such as Mohammed Al-Owais, Ali Al-Bulaihi and Saleh Al-Shehri could be a problem, especially at the back. However, they still have the likes of Firas Al-Buraikan up front and Salem Al-Dawsari, who has scored 24 goals in 94 international appearances.
Playing at home, Saudi Arabia will need to capitalise on the support of their fans to secure a win and return to the race for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
China: Eyeing Positive Results in Riyadh
China, on the other hand, will be keen to improve on their poor away record. Branko Ivankovic’s side had a disappointing start to the third round, including a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Japan.
But they are showing signs of life after back-to-back wins over Indonesia and Bahrain.
China currently have the same number of points as Saudi Arabia (6), but trail on goal difference. If they can steal a point in Riyadh, they could move into the top two if other results go their way.
The absence of Wu Lei, the team’s top scorer with 34 international goals, is certainly a blow for the Dragons. Lin Liangming is likely to lead the attack again, with Shihao Wei or Zhang Yuning providing support.
Serginho, who recently became a naturalised Chinese citizen, could also make his debut in midfield.
Team News
Saudi Arabia:
Several key players will be missing, including Mohammed Al-Owais, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasir Al-Shahrani, Sultan Al-Ghannam and Saleh Al-Shehri.
Saud Abdul Hamid will be the mainstay at the back.
Salem Al-Dawsari remains the mainstay in attack.
China:
Wu Lei remains sidelined, giving Lin Liangming a chance up front.
Serginho could make his debut as a new naturalised midfielder.
Zhang Yuning or Shihao Wei could be other options in attack.
Possible Lineups
Saudi Arabia XI: Al-Kassar; Abdul Hamid, Al-Tambaakti, Lajami, Boushal; Kanno; Al-Sahafi, Al-Juwayr, N Al-Dawsari, S Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan.
China XI: D Wang; Z Yang, S Jiang, Zhunyi, Hetao; Xu, S Wang, Xie; Serginho; Yuning, Liangming.
Score prediction:
With several key players missing, Saudi Arabia may struggle to keep a clean sheet. However, their experience and home advantage could make the difference.
China, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalise on their positive momentum, but without Wu Lei the effectiveness of their attack is questionable.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-1 China
