Japan vs Saudi Arabia Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Preview

Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers

Date: March 25, 2025

Kick-off Time: 10:05 GMT

Venue: Saitama Stadium

Japan became the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA and Canada after emerging victorious against Bahrain in their last outing. The Samurai Blue are defeatless in all of their World Cup qualifier games and have managed to pull off six wins in the third round.

The hosts have nothing to lose, but will be keen to maintain their flawless run and get the better of their opponents once again. Hajime Moriyasu's side have not lost a game since the February of 2024 and have scored 38 goals since then.

Saudi Arabia on the other hand have a lot at stake heading into this fixture.

They need nothing less than a win to keep their chances alive for a third consecutive World Cup appearance. The Green Falcons have managed to put together two wins and three draws in seven games. They are just one point away from a direct qualification spot and currently a playoffs spot alongwith Bahrain. Hervé Renard is back at the helm and will be hopeful to guide Saudi Arabia to yet another World Cup.

Japan Team News

Japan will be without Hidemasa Morita and forward Ayase Ueda for this game. They will still look to grab three points against their opponents.

Saudi Arabia Team News

The visitors are expected to miss out on the services of their defensive duo of Saud Abdulhamid and Hassan Kadesh who picked up injuries in the last game.

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineups

Japan Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Suzuki

Defenders: Seko, Itakura, H. Ito

Midfielders: J. Ito, Endo, Tanaka, Mitoma

Forwards: Kubo, Kamada; Machino

Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineup (4-5-1):

Goalkeeper: Al-Aqidi

Defenders: Al-Shanqeeti, Tambakti, Lajami, Boushal

Midfielders: Al-Juwayr, Al-Ghamdi, Yahya, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari

Forward: Al-Buraikan

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Head-to-Head Record

Key Players to Watch in Japan vs Saudi Arabia

Takefusa Kubo (Japan)

The Real Sociedad winger put together a man of the match performance for Japan in their last game against Bahrain. He created the first goal before scoring the second and helped Japan qualify for the World Cup finals. Kubo executed three key passes while registering two shots on target.

Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)

Salem Al-Dawsari is the most in-form man for Saudi Arabia heading into this game. His strike against China was the point of the difference between the two sides.

The skipper not just led his side to a win, but also kept Saudi Arabia’s aspirations alive. The 33-year-old played four key passes and had three shots on target.

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Prediction

Japan have been next to perfect in the World Cup qualifiers. They have brought down everyone who has come in their way and Saudi Arabia might very well be their next target.

Predicted Score: Japan 3-1 Saudi Arabia

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