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

By Ben Darvill

24 Mar 2025

Ben Darvill 24 Mar 2025

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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)

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

Japan v Saudi Arabia

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

Japan

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Japan 2-0

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