Team
In the first group match of the second round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers match, Saudi Arab defeated Pakistan by 4 goals to 0.
Pakistan was playing away against Saudi Arab. Saudi Arab and Pakistan have a difference of almost 140 ranking in FIFA rankings. Saudi Arab is ranked at 57th and Pakistan is at 193rd in FIFA rankings.
Pakistan approached the game with a defensive approach. Pakistani team defended deep in their box, resisting Saudi Arabian team to find gaps to get the ball through closer to the Pakistani goal.
Al- Shehri broke the deadlock only in the sixth minute. After that Pakistan stood firm in the defense. At the end of the first half it was only one goal which separated the teams.
This was the first time in history of Pakistan when the national teams qualified for the second round of World Cup qualifiers, on the other side Saudi Arab defeated Argentina, the World Champions in World Cup just 12 years ago.
Saudi Arab again dominated the second half with ball in position. Saudi Arab got a penalty right after the restart. Al- Shehri doubled the lead, blasting penalty kick into Pakistani goal in the 48th minute. In the injury time Ghareeb and A. Radif scored a goal each to make the score 4-0 at end of the match.
Pakistan had only three shots, out of which only one was on target, in comparison, Saudi Arab had 16 shots and 8 were on target. Saudi Arab enjoyed a 77% [position in the match.
In the other Group G match Jordan and Tajikistan drew their match. Pakistan will play their next match at home against Tajikistan on 21st of November in Jinnah Sports Complex Islamabad.
