Japan vs Saudi Arabia Preview & Tips – Japan to secure seventh win in 2026 World Cup qualifying

ben-darvill
24 Mar 2025
Ben Darvill 24 Mar 2025
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Japan vs Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifying Preview & Tips
  • Japan have won their last three World Cup qualifiers
  • Preview, stats & head to head
Ao Tanaka of Japan (Getty Images)
Ao Tanaka of Japan (Getty Images)

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Preview & Tips


Japan eased to a 2-0 win over Bahrain in their last match as they edged further clear of the chasing pack in Group C. 
  • Japan vs Saudi Arabia Preview & Tips
  • Head To Head
  • Japan Form
  • Saudi Arabia Form

Saudi Arabia beat China 1-0 in their last outing as they ended a run of four without a win in qualifying. 

  • Japan have won their last three qualifying matches 
  • Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0 by Indonesia in their last away game 
  • Japan have beaten Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their last two meetings 

Head To Head


Japan have won seven of their last 10 meetings, with Saudi Arabia winning the other three matches. 

Japan Form


Japan are dominating their World Cup qualifying group, with the side currently sitting nine points clear of Australia in second. 

Japan’s impressive 2-0 win over Indonesia in their last outing saw them avoid a potential banana skin, with their opponents beating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in November. Meanwhile, they took a point from Australia when they hosted the Aussies back in September. 

Japan will be aware of how important this match is, with it a major chance to move 13 points clear of Saudi Arabia in third. While Saudi Arabia are strong on their day, I am backing Japan to secure a third consecutive 2-0 win over their opponents, with this the scoreline in their last two meetings. 

Saudi Arabia Form


Saudi Arabia have struggled for goals and consistency in qualifying, with the nation winning just two of their opening seven and scoring four goals. 

Their 1-0 win over China in their last match was a good result, but it has done little to paper over the cracks of their four-game winless run prior to their victory over China. Defeats to Japan and Indonesia bookended draws with Bahrain and Australia, with Saudi Arabia struggling.

A win in this one would be a major statement from Saudi Arabia. It would not only hand Japan their first loss of the campaign, but it would also see Saudi Arabia move to within seven points of the group leaders. However, with two defeats in their last two meetings and Japan boasting two wins and a draw at home, I cannot see the away side securing the win they need. 

Verdict

I am backing Japan to secure all three points as they notch a third consecutive 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Best Bet1: Japan Match Winner @-250.00 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Japan 2-0 Correct Score @550.00 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
Japan
Match Winner
@-250.00 - 1 Unit
Deposit $1500 Get $3,000
promo code RIHAN

Claim the maximum new Stake bonus offer now when you join with promo code RIHAN. Deposit $1500. Get $3000. That's a 200% bonus. Over 18s only. T&Cs apply. 35x wager requirement. Max Deposit $1500. Level 3 KYC Verification required.

Bet at Stake.com
Japan 2-0
Correct Score
@550.00 - 1 Unit
Deposit $1500 Get $3,000
promo code WATAN

Claim the maximum new Stake bonus offer now when you join with promo code WATAN. Deposit $1500. Get $3000. That's a 200% bonus. Over 18s only. T&Cs apply. 35x wager requirement. Max Deposit $1500. Level 3 KYC Verification required.

Bet at Stake.com