Hervé Renard optimistic ahead of Saudi Arabia’s crucial match against Japan

Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard has assured that his team is in good mental condition ahead of their crucial World Cup 2026 Asian Zone qualifier against Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Tuesday (25/3).

In this must-win match, Saudi Arabia—currently third in Group C with 9 points from seven matches—needs a victory to keep their hopes of direct qualification alive.

Current Group C Standings:

• Japan – 19 points

• Australia – 10 points

• Saudi Arabia – 9 points

• Indonesia – 6 points

• Bahrain – 6 points

• China – 6 points

With only the top two teams earning automatic qualification, Saudi Arabia must close the one-point gap to second-placed Australia to stay in contention.