Saudi Arabia edges China 1-0 in World Cup qualifier, Iraq and Jordan share points in Group B

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over China in the seventh round of Group C in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Salem Al Dawsari netted the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, helping his side climb to third place with nine points. Meanwhile, Japan has already secured qualification as the first Asian team to book a spot in the tournament. China, with six points, remains in sixth place.

In Group B, Iraq and Kuwait played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. Kuwait took the lead twice through Youssef Nasser, who scored in the 39th and 70th minutes. However, Iraq staged a late comeback, with Akam Hashim equalizing in the 90th minute before Ibrahim Bayesh found the net in the 100th minute. Iraq now sits in third place with 12 points, while Kuwait is in fifth with five points.

Elsewhere in the group, Jordan defeated Palestine 3-1, bringing its tally to 12 points and securing second place ahead of Iraq on goal difference. Palestine remains in sixth place with just three points.(QNA)