Saitama, Japan — Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 away draw with already qualified Japan on Tuesday to keep their fading hopes of an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup alive.
The Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C, one point behind Australia.
The top two teams qualify directly for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with those placing third and fourth going into another qualifying round.
Runaway group leaders Japan locked up their place last week and the Saudis made sure they stayed in contention with two games remaining after a dogged defensive effort.
The Saudis travel to face Bahrain in June before they host what could be a decisive clash against Australia.
Saudi coach Herve Renard was missing several players through injury but his team were coming into the game fresh from beating China 1-0 for their first win in five qualifiers.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu made six changes from the side that beat Bahrain 2-0 to clinch qualification, with winger Kaoru Mitoma, striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita all ruled out with injury.
Daizen Maeda started up front and the Celtic man hit the post in the ninth minute as Japan took control from the kick-off.
Maeda had another chance 10 minutes later but could only shoot weakly after stumbling over the ball when clean through.
Muhannad Al Shanqiti headed over the bar soon after with the Saudis’ first attack of the game.
Takefusa Kubo, Japan’s man of the match against Bahrain, went close twice before half-time, before Maeda fluffed another effort shortly after the interval.
Moriyasu’s substitutions changed the game against Bahrain and he rolled the dice again, bringing on Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan shortly after the hour mark.
But Ito curled a shot over the bar with Japan’s best chance of the second half as the Saudis escaped with a point.
