AFC Asian Qualifiers 2025: Japan vs Saudi Arabia Live
The AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup present a pivotal encounter between Japan and Saudi Arabia on March 25, 2025. Set to take place at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, this match holds significant implications for both teams’ World Cup aspirations.
- Date: March 25, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 19:35 local time
- Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan
Team Overviews:
Japan:
The Samurai Blue have demonstrated exceptional form throughout the qualifiers, leading Group C with a commanding 19 points from seven matches. Their recent 2-0 victory over Bahrain secured their place in the World Cup finals. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, Japan has maintained an unbeaten streak, winning six and drawing one of their qualifying matches. The return of key players Hiroki Ito and Ayase Ueda from injury bolsters their squad depth.
Saudi Arabia:
The Green Falcons find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third in Group C with nine points. Their campaign has been marked by two wins, three draws, and two losses. To keep their qualification hopes alive, Saudi Arabia must secure a positive result against the group leaders.
Head-to-Head Record:
Historically, Japan has held the upper hand in encounters against Saudi Arabia. Notably, Japan secured a 2-0 victory in their previous World Cup qualification meeting on October 10, 2024. In the AFC Asian Cup on January 21, 2019, Japan also emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
Team Lineups:
Note: Official starting lineups are typically announced closer to match time. Below are the expected lineups based on recent matches and available information.
Japan (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Shuichi Gonda
- Defenders: Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Ito, Yuto Nagatomo
- Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Hidemasa Morita, Daichi Kamada
- Forwards: Kaoru Mitoma, Ayase Ueda, Junya Ito
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais
- Defenders: Sultan Al-Ghannam, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani
- Midfielders: Salman Al-Faraj, Abdulellah Al-Malki, Salem Al-Dawsari, Fahad Al-Muwallad, Hattan Bahebri
- Forward: Saleh Al-Shehri
Pitch Report:
Saitama Stadium 2002 is renowned for its well-maintained natural grass surface, offering a conducive environment for technical play. The expansive pitch dimensions favor teams that excel in ball possession and swift, wide attacks.
Match Predictions:
Given Japan’s formidable form and home advantage, they are favored to win this encounter. Analysts predict a 2-1 victory for Japan, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s potential to challenge the hosts.
Weather Forecast:
| Date | Weather | High (°F / °C) | Low (°F / °C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 25 | Sunshine and warmer | 78°F / 26°C | 54°F / 12°C |
| Wednesday, March 26 | Sunny, windy and warm | 81°F / 27°C | 49°F / 9°C |
| Thursday, March 27 | Partly sunny and very warm | 78°F / 26°C | 63°F / 17°C |
| Friday, March 28 | Rain in the morning, windy with thunderstorms | 84°F / 29°C | 49°F / 9°C |
| Saturday, March 29 | Morning rain, cloudy and cooler | 52°F / 11°C | 42°F / 6°C |
| Sunday, March 30 | Mostly cloudy | 58°F / 14°C | 39°F / 4°C |
| Monday, March 31 | Dull and dreary | 53°F / 12°C | 43°F / 6°C |
You can watch live here
You can also check IPL 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings Live Streaming
