Saudi Arabia qualifies for 2018 World Cup

Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after beating Japan 1-0 in Jeddah on Tuesday, securing a place in the tournament in Russia next year.

The Saudis ranked second in Group B behind Japan with 19 points. They secured their place in the finals thanks to the goal difference ahead of Australia, who also have 19 points.

The team’s victory came from a goal scored by half-time substitute Fahad Al Muwallad, during the match held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah in front of more than 60,000 spectators.

The Saudis will join Iran, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and hosts Russia in the 32-team World Cup in 2018, which will run from June 14 to July 15.

Russia 2018 will be Saudi Arabia’s fifth appearance in the FIFA World Cup finals after qualifying for the first time back in 1994.

The Kingdom’s national team featured in three consecutive finals afterwards (1998, 2002 and 2006) before missing the last two editions in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.