Saudi Arabia defeats Pakistan 3-0 in FIFA World Cup qualifier

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia defeated Pakistan with a 3-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier held at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Thursday.

Feras Albrikan went on a striking spree, scoring two goals. He scored the first less than half hour into the game. The Saudi footballer scored the second goal within 45 minutes of the match starting.

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Despite Pakistan’s efforts to regroup in the second half, Musab Fahz Aljuwayr dashed any hopes of a comeback. Aljuwayr scored the third and final goal for the Saudi team, securing a comfortable win for the visiting team.

Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal conceded his team had a long way to go. He was disappointed with the match’s outcome, attributing the goals conceded to their own mistakes.

The Pakistan captain thanked the fans for their continued support.

The defeat extends a string of losses for Pakistan in the FIFA World Cup qualifier, leaving them at the bottom of Group G. Pakistan men’s football team first lost 4-0 to Saudi Arabia in Al-Ahsa in November last year. This was followed by a 6-1 defeat to Tajikistan in Islamabad.

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Jordan then defeated Pakistan with a similar 3-0 win during Ramazan. The national team then suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat at the Amman International Stadium.

Pakistan will now face Tajikistan in their next match, a final chance to restore some dignity following a series of humiliating games.