Japan vs Saudi Arabia Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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Japan have been relentless in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and they have already booked their spot at the tournament as they take on Saudi Arabia in Japan this week.

Kick-off date/time: Tuesday 25th March, 2025: UK – 10:35am / US ET – 6:35am / US PT – 3:35am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Key Stats

Japan have won the previous six international matches between these teams in Japan.
Japan have won 17 and drawn two of their last 19 World Cup qualifying matches. Since a 1-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia in October 2021.
Japan have lost only two of their last 29 World Cup qualifying matches in Japan (W23 D4).
Japan last conceded more than one goal in a World Cup qualifying match in a 1-2 defeat against the United Arab Emirates in September 2016.
Japan have won 23 of their last 26 international matches (D1 L2).
Japan have kept 15 clean sheets in their last 18 World Cup qualifying matches.
Saudi Arabia have lost only four of their last 32 World Cup qualifying matches (W20 D8).
Saudi Arabia have kept three clean sheets in their last four World Cup qualifying matches.

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Prediction

The Japanese should have gone deeper than the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup but their squad has continued to improve with more talent emerging. Saudi Arabia are looking to become reinvigorated following the return of Herve Renard.

Japan ensured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 defeat of Bahrain at the Saitama Stadium the other day. They had become frustrated in that match but eventually eased themselves to victory thanks to second-half goals from Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo.

Herve Renard has left the France women’s job and replaced Roberto Mancini as the Saudi Arabia boss once again. His first qualifier back in charge of the Saudi Arabians saw the Green Falcons earn their second victory of the campaign the other day with a slender 1-0 defeat of ten-man China with Al Hilal man Salem Al Dawsari scoring the winner.

Japan may take their eye off the ball here having wrapped up qualification for next summer and so, with the Saudis likely to become more difficult to beat again, there could be good value in siding with the visitors.

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Tip: Double chance – Saudi Arabia to win or draw