With only the top two teams from each of the three groups of six securing automatic qualification to the expanded 48-team tournament, both Australia and Saudi Arabia find themselves with just five points from four matches in Group C, trailing leaders Australia by five points.
The underwhelming performances of both teams have already led to coaching changes since the start of the third round. Graham Arnold resigned as head coach of the Socceroos in September, with Tony Popovic stepping in, while Saudi Arabia dismissed Roberto Mancini in October following a goalless draw against Bahrain in Jeddah.
Renard Returns to Riyadh
Herve Renard has returned to Riyadh to take charge of the Saudi national team for a second time.
“I believe we can qualify; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here,” Renard, who left Riyadh in March 2023 to coach the French women’s national team, stated to local media. “I am familiar with the players. While our situation is not ideal, it is far from hopeless. We still have six matches left, four of which are away.”
Renard previously guided Saudi Arabia to qualification for the 2022 World Cup, finishing atop a qualification group that included Japan and Australia. The team achieved a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in their opening match in Qatar, but subsequently lost their next two games, finishing last in their group and missing out on the knockout stages.
“Many of these players were part of the squad that qualified for the 2022 World Cup,” Renard remarked. “They need to leverage that experience, maintain their morale, and do everything necessary to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.”
Saudi Arabia is optimistic that the change in coaching can replicate the positive results that Popovic achieved for Australia in his initial two matches in October, which included a home victory over China and a 1-1 draw in Japan.
Japan is favored in two away matches against Indonesia and China
These matches mark the first points dropped by Japan in World Cup qualification since they have participated in every tournament since 1998. The Samurai Blue is anticipated to secure a victory against Indonesia, despite facing a crowd of around 78,000 fans in Jakarta, before heading to China.
“Considering the FIFA rankings and the results in the World Cup qualifiers thus far, it may seem that Japan has the upper hand,” stated coach Hajime Moriyasu. “However, both matches are away, and I believe it will be challenging.”
South Korea to exercise caution with Son Heung-min
In Group B, South Korea, currently leading, has bounced back from a disappointing draw against Palestine to achieve three consecutive wins. A victory in Kuwait would put the South Koreans five or six points ahead of third place.
Captain and star player Son Heung-min has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, missing the wins over Jordan and Iraq, and has had limited playing time with his English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur.
“At this moment, I have no intention of overexerting him,” said South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo. “I will find ways to utilize him effectively. Once he rejoins the team, I will have a discussion with him regarding his playing time. It is crucial for us to have a fully fit Son Heung-min.”
Iraq and Jordan are currently tied for second place in Group B, trailing by three points, and will compete against each other in Basra.
In Group A, Iran and Uzbekistan hold a six-point lead over the other teams and will be playing away matches against North Korea and Qatar, respectively.