The hosts have a collected a maximum of six points from two Group A-games so far, just two clear of the Tajiks, who are sitting at the second position in the four-team table, level on points with Jordan.
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Saudi Arabia will be looking to consolidate their top spot in Group G when they play host to Tajikistan in a World Cup 2026 qualifying fixture at King Saud University Stadium on Thursday. The hosts have a collected a maximum of six points from two games so far, just two clear of the Tajiks, who are sitting at the second position in the four-team table, level on points with Jordan. Meanwhile, both sides have not kicked the ball since getting eliminated in the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this year.
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🏆 | الجولة الثالثة من الدور الثاني من التصفيات الآسيوية لكأس العالم 2026 وكأس آسيا 2027. pic.twitter.com/hiz0DrmTLA— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) March 21, 2024
Saudi Arabia, went into the AFC Asian Cup high on confidence, under the tutelage of Roberto Mancini, but lost out to South Korea in the last eight stage. The Green Falcons took the lead through Abdullah Radif’s opener in the 46th-minute, but Cho Gue-sung scored a dramatic 99th-minute equaliser for the Taegeuk Wariors, and forced the game into extra time and then the penalties, where Mancini’s side lost 4-2. The result ended their eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Meanwhile, when it comes to the second round of World Cup qualification, Al Saqour have won their two games so far, against the likes of Pakistan and Jordan, scoring six goals and conceding none in the process.
Tajikistan, on the other hand, made a stunning AFC Asian Cup debut, reaching the last eight stage against all odds. The Tajiks booked a place in the knockout round courtesy of finishing second in Group A, and then edged past United Arab Emirates via penalties in the round of 16 tie. The Crowns’ fairytale run in the tournament came to end versus yet another dark horse Jordan in the quarterfinals courtesy of Vahadat Hanonov’s own goal in the second-half on February 2. However, Gela Shekiladze’s side have picked up a win and a draw apiece from their opening two World Cup qualifiers, against the likes of Jordan (1-1) and Pakistan (6-1), back in November 2023.
Saudi Arabia probable starting lineup: Al-Owais, Al-Shahrani, Al-Bulaihi, Abdulhamid, Kadesh, Al-Dawsari, Kanno, Al-Malki, Ghareeb, Al-Burkaikan, Al-Shehri
Tajikistan probable starting lineup: Yatimov, Nazarov, Dzubarboyev, Safarov, Khanonov, Juraboev, Umarbayev, Panjshanbe, Samiev, Mabatshoev, Soirov
Saudi Arabia
| Opponents | Score |
| South Korea | 1(2)-(4)1 (L) |
| Thailand | 0-0 (D) |
| Kyrgyzstan | 0-2 (W) |
| Oman | 2-1 (W) |
| Hong Kong | 0-2 (W) |
Tajikistan
| Opponents | Score |
| Jordan | 0-1 (L) |
| UAE | 1(5)-(3)1 (W) |
| Lebanon | 2-1 (W) |
| Qatar | 0-1 (L) |
| China | 0-0 (D) |
| Last match-result | Score |
| Saudi Arabia beat Tajikistan | 3-0 |
The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan will take place at Al-awwal Stadium on Friday at 12:30 am IST.
| Saudi Arabia vs Tajikistan | Key Details |
| Date | March 21 (Saudi Arabia) |
| Venue | Al-awwal Stadium |
| Kickoff time in Saudi Arabia | 10:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in Tajikistan | 12:00 am (Friday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 12:30 am (Friday) |
Football fans in Saudi Arabia will catch the live action via SSC. Meanwhile, those in Tajikistan can watch the game on Varzish Sport.
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