It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere, its football and it is a way of life in the Kingdom.
How do we know? Because AFC just announced the Saudi World Cup playoffs.
That’s right, brace yourself for some awesome action later this year, as the Kingdom, along with Qatar, host the Asian qualifying playoffs for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Following the completion of the third round of qualifiers on Tuesday, June 10, the third and fourth-placed teams from each group are heading into the fourth round.
Running for one very action-packed weekend of October, the playoffs will feature six teams including the hosts Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
So grab your footie scarves and national flags, its time to support your team to the fullest. Here is everything to know about the upcoming playoffs.
Saudi World Cup playoffs 2025
Get ready for the biggest FIFA World Cup yet. Kicking off from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, the tournament is going XXL with 48 teams and three host countries, yes, three.
The U.S. is taking the lead, with Canada and Mexico backing it up in what will be the first-ever World Cup hosted across three nations. Mexico will also make history as the first country to host the men’s tournament three times, while Canada’s getting its debut. After the winter switch in 2022, the World Cup is back to its usual summer spot, and this time, it’s coast-to-coast across North America.
So far, 13 teams have punched their tickets, including defending champs Argentina, plus newcomers Jordan and Uzbekistan ready to shake things up. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico get automatic entries as hosts, and the rest of the football world is gearing up for a truly global showdown. Think massive stadiums, passionate fans, and the most diverse edition of the tournament yet.
Saudi World Cup playoffs 2025 location
The Kingdom and Qatar will be hosting the qualifying playoffs together but neither have announced which stadiums will be jam-packed with passionate fans of the most beautiful game in the world.
Saudi World Cup playoffs 2025 dates
The playoffs will kick-off on Wednesday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 14. Prepare to feel the ground shake with the intensity of the fans’ chants and cheers.
Saudi World Cup playoffs 2025 tickets
Tickets for the playoffs will be released closer to the event. Stay tuned to Destination KSA to learn when they do.
Saudi World Cup playoffs 2025 teams
In addition to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, every team that finished third and fourth in the previous qualifier in set to make an appearance in the fourth one. These are,
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
FIFA World Cup 2034
After submitting the most successful bid of all time, Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the host nation for FIFA World Cup 2034. The exciting news was accompanied by the unveiling of 15 brand-new stadium renders that only increased the Kingdom’s excitement tenfold. Saudi is set to the host the first single-host-nation championship since 2022.
TBA. Wed Oct 8-Tue Oct 14. Across Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the-afc.com.
