Saudi Arabia is out to formalize its entry to football’s biggest stage against Iraq as the World Cup 2026 Asian Qualification rages on in October.
Get our Saudi Arabia vs Iraq predictions based on match analysis and past results.
Will the Green Falcons officially join the list of qualified teams in the World Cup after their October 15, 2025, match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah?
Explore our other predictions, results, and more on our World Cup 2026 coverage.
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match information
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, AFC, Group B
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah (neutral)
- Date: 15 Oct 2025
Match Preview
Saudi Arabia aims for another World Cup appearance, entering this qualifier on the back of a 3-2 win over Indonesia to start their October AFC campaign.
That result gave the Green Falcons two wins from their past three games, in which they’ve scored five goals total.
However, the Green Falcons will find stiff opposition from the Lions of Mesopotamia, who are coming off a three-match winning streak.
The Lions of Mesopotamia, on the other hand, posted big wins over Hong Kong (2-1) and over Thailand (1-0) in the King’s Cup.
Don’t forget to check out our World Cup 2026 schedule and fixtures for the latest updates.
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq team standings
Group B
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia (H) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | Iraq | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Indonesia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
H: Hosts
Form Guide
Saudi Arabia
Iraq
Head-to-Head
| Date | Competition | Home team | Away Team | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 15, 2025 | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | ||
| December 28, 2024 | Gulf Cup | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia | 3-1 |
| January 10, 2023 | Gulf Cup | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | 2-0 |
| October 16, 2018 | International Friendly | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Draw | 1-1 |
| March 1, 2018 | International Friendly | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | 1-0 |
| March 29, 2017 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 |
| September 6, 2016 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia | 2-1 |
| November 15, 2013 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC)) | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | 2-1 |
| October 15, 2013 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Indonesia | 2-0 |
| January 6, 2013 | Gulf Cup | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Iraq | 2-0 |
| July 5, 2012 | FIFA Arab Cup | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Iraq | 1-0 |
| December 28, 2010 | International Friendly | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Iraq | 1-0 |
| July 29, 2007 | 2007 AFC Asian Cup | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | 1-0 |
| January 24, 2007 | Gulf Cup | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 |
| March 15 2006 | International Friendly | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Draw | 2-2 |
| July 26, 2004 | 2004 AFC Asian Cup | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Iraq | 2-1 |
| October 5 2001 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia | 2-1 |
| August 31, 2001 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 |
| December 8, 1996 | 1996 AFC Asian Cup | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 |
| October 24, 1993 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Draw | 1-10 |
| January 1, 1988 | Olympic Games Qualifiers AFC | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Draw | 1-1 |
| December 4, 1987 | Olympic Games Qualifiers AFC | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Draw | 0-0 |
| March 21, 1981 | World Cup qualifiers (AFC) | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 |
| December 14, 1978 | Asian Games | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Draw | 1-1 |
| December 2, 1975 | Asian Cup Qualifiers | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | 2-1 |
| November 25, 1975 | Asian Cup Qualifiers | Iraq | Saudi Arabia | Draw | 1-1 |
| August 22, 1975 | Olympic Games Qualifiers AFC | Saudi Arabia | Iraq | Saudi arabia | 2-0 |
Source: Transfermarkt
The Iraq vs Saudi Arabia fixture is almost even of late, with the Green Falcons taking three of their last six matches.
Iraq won two of the last four, with one match drawn.
On the other hand, the Green Falcons won their last head-to-head matchup, a 3-1 decision in a Gulf Cup duel on December 28, 2024.
Overall, the Green Falcons are 11-6-8 (win-draw-loss) in their 25 H2H matchups dating back to 1975.
Check out our other fearless forecasts:
- Iraq vs Indonesia Predictions: World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Preview
- United Arab Emirates vs Oman – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Prediction (AFC, Group A)
- Wales vs Belgium – Match Preview and Prediction for Group J, UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Senegal vs Mauritania – World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Preview and Prediction(CAF, Group B)
Last World Cup
The Green Falcons are attempting a third-straight World Cup appearance and seventh overall since 1994.
The Green Falcons played four straight World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), missing 2010 and 2014.
However, the Green Falcons returned to football’s biggest stage in 2002 and placed 25th in Qatar.
The Lions of Mesopotamia, on the other hand, are looking for their first World Cup appearance since 1986.
In 1986, Iraq finished 23rd in its only World Cup appearance.
Players to Watch
Saudi Arabia (Green Falcons)
| Player | Position | Matches Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firas Al-Buraikan | Forward | 14 | 5 |
| Saleh Al-Shehri | Forward | 9 | 4 |
| Musab Fahd Al-Juwayr | Midfielder | 13 | 3 |
Iraq (Lions of Mesopotamia)
| Player | Position | Matches Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aymen Hussein | Forward | 13 | 8 |
| Ibrahim Bayesh | Defender | 16 | 2 |
| Ali Jasim | Forward | 16 | 2 |
Source: ESPN
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Predictions: Close win for Green Falcons
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Iraq
Expect a tightly contested match, but our analysis gives the Green Falcons a slight edge in the Saudi Arabia vs Iraq showdown, supported by their 3-1-2 record in recent head-to-head encounters.
Both teams enter this clash on the back of significant victories, but Saudi Arabia has extra motivation: a win or draw here confirms their spot in the World Cup.
Iraq is equally motivated, targeting its first World Cup appearance since 1986. Expect them to approach this match with determination, aiming to break their long absence from the tournament.
Our prediction leans toward another close Green Falcons win if they can replicate their strong performance seen against Indonesia earlier in the qualifiers.
Don’t miss witnessing your favorite team’s chances in real-time by visiting our fresh World Cup Odds here.
What’s Next?
Saudi Arabia: Complete its World Cup Asia October qualifying match and await the final group standings.
Iraq: Complete its World Cup Asia October qualifying match and await the final group standings.
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