Saudi Arabia qualify to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia | VIDEO

Saudi Arabia has qualified to the world cup in Russia 2018 after beating Japan 1-0 in Jeddah.

Fahad al-Muwalad secured the win after shooting a screamer in to the top corner of the Japanese goal in the second half. Al-Muwalad’s goal came after intricate passing football allowed midfielder Nawaf al-Abed to slide through a sublime pass putting al-Muwalad infront of goal.

The win secured the first Arab team in the Russia 2018 with Syria yet to play Australia in the play off for the fifth seat. Egypt and Tunisia playing in the African Qualifiers are also close to securing qualifications.

Iran and Japan have already secured places at Russia 2018 as winners of Groups A and B. Saudi Arabia needed a win by any score against Japan today at the King Abdulla Sport City in Jeddah to secure its return to the FIFA World Cup.

The win has become a must as Australia beat Thailand 2-1 on Tuesday.

Japan had already booked their ticket to Russia with a 2-0 win over Australia in Saitama on Thursday.