Expected Formation of Saudi Arabia Against Iraq in the Asian Qualifiers for the World Cup

French coach Hervé Renard has made his decision regarding the lineup that the Saudi national team will use in the anticipated match against Iraq tonight, Tuesday, as part of the final round of the Asian playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Renard relies on the attacking trio of Saleh Abu Shamat, Firas Al-Buraikan, and Salem Al-Dosari to lead the front line, in an attempt to secure direct qualification to the World Cup amid significant fan support at the Al-Intimaa Stadium in Jeddah.

The expected lineup for the Green Falcons is as follows:

In goal, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, with Saud Abdulhamid, Jihad Zakhari, Hassan Tambakti, and Ayman Yahya in defense. In midfield, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Nasser Al-Dosari, and Musab Al-Juwair are present.

The attacking line is led by Saleh Abu Shamat and Salem Al-Dosari alongside striker Firas Al-Buraikan, who Renard relies on to make the difference and achieve the decisive victory that guarantees the Green Falcons a spot in the next World Cup finals.

The match kicks off at 9:45 PM Cairo and Mecca time, with the Saudi team entering the game motivated by their recent victory over Indonesia with a score of 3-2 in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Saudi national team needs to win to secure direct qualification to the World Cup, while the Iraqi team also needs to win to ensure their passage, as any draw or loss will force them to play in the global playoffs next November.

This match represents one of the most significant decisive battles on the road to the 2026 World Cup, as the Green Falcons aspire to write a new chapter in their football history by reaching the World Cup finals for the seventh time.