Decisive Final Group-Stage Showdowns Await as Tunisia and Qatar Fight for Qualification, While Iraq and Saudi Arabia Face Crucial Tests
IMF MEDIA OFFICE – ANTALYA
November 4, 2026
ANTALYA, Türkiye — The race for the semifinals of the 2026 Minifootball World Cup reaches a decisive stage on Wednesday, November 4, as the Turkish city of Antalya hosts the third and final round of group-stage matches under the supervision of the International Minifootball Federation (IMF).
Following two action-packed rounds that produced 61 goals, defending world champions Russia and 2023 runners-up Libya have officially secured their places in the semifinals, each collecting six points from their opening two matches.
Meanwhile, hosts Türkiye and Indonesia have been eliminated after suffering consecutive defeats, leaving four Arab nations — Tunisia, Qatar, Iraq and Saudi Arabia — competing for the remaining two semifinal berths.
With qualification scenarios still open and goal difference potentially proving decisive, the final round promises another dramatic chapter in the tournament.
Group A: Russia Face Resurgent Tunisia as Qatar Target Qualification
Defending champions Russia enter their final group-stage fixture against Tunisia with a perfect record, having defeated hosts Türkiye 5–1 before overcoming Qatar 4–3 in a closely contested encounter.
With six points, Russia have already secured semifinal qualification and will be looking to finish the group stage unbeaten. A victory or draw would guarantee them first place in Group A.
Tunisia, however, approach the encounter with renewed confidence following an emphatic 8–0 victory over Türkiye in the second round.
The North African side bounced back impressively from their opening 7–3 defeat against Qatar, moving to three points with 11 goals scored, seven conceded and a goal difference of +4.
A victory over Russia would put Tunisia in a strong position to qualify, although the final standings could still depend on Qatar’s result and the applicable tiebreaking criteria.
For Tunisia, the encounter represents a major opportunity to build on their remarkable recovery and secure a place among the tournament’s final four.
Qatar Seek Victory Against Eliminated Hosts Türkiye
In the other Group A fixture, Qatar will face hosts Türkiye knowing that victory could secure their passage to the semifinals.
Qatar opened their campaign with an impressive 7–3 victory over Tunisia before suffering a narrow 4–3 defeat against Russia.
The latter encounter generated controversy, with Qatar assistant coach Hassan Salman expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating and claiming that two refereeing errors contributed to Russia’s goals.
Despite the setback, Qatar remain firmly in contention with three points, ten goals scored, seven conceded and a goal difference of +3.
A victory against Türkiye would take Qatar to six points, although qualification could still depend on the outcome of Russia’s meeting with Tunisia.
Türkiye, meanwhile, will be determined to restore pride in front of their home supporters after suffering defeats against Russia and Tunisia.
Group B: Libya Aim to Maintain Perfect Record Against Determined Iraq
In Group B, Libya have emerged as one of the tournament’s most impressive performers, securing semifinal qualification with two convincing victories.
The 2023 World Cup runners-up opened their campaign with a remarkable 14–0 triumph over Indonesia before defeating Saudi Arabia 4–2 in a highly anticipated all-Arab encounter.
With six points, 18 goals scored and a commanding +16 goal difference, Libya enter their final group-stage match against Iraq as group leaders.
Iraq, however, have everything to play for.
The Lions of Mesopotamia suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match before responding with a convincing 5–0 victory over Indonesia.
That result lifted Iraq to three points and a +4 goal difference, placing them in a favorable position in the battle for the remaining semifinal spot.
Victory against Libya would significantly strengthen Iraq’s qualification prospects, while a draw could also prove sufficient depending on Saudi Arabia’s result and the tournament’s tiebreaking regulations.
Saudi Arabia Face Indonesia in Must-Win Encounter
Saudi Arabia conclude their group-stage campaign against Indonesia in a crucial fixture that could determine their World Cup future.
The Green Falcons began the tournament with an exciting 3–2 victory over Iraq, inspired by a memorable hat-trick from Fahad Al-Qasim, before suffering a 4–2 defeat against Libya.
With three points, five goals scored and six conceded, Saudi Arabia enter the final round with a goal difference of −1, five goals behind Iraq in the standings.
The Saudi side will be seeking a convincing victory over Indonesia to improve their goal difference and strengthen their chances of reaching the semifinals.
Should Iraq lose to Libya, a Saudi victory would be enough to move the Green Falcons ahead on points. However, if Iraq also win, both teams would finish with six points, making the relevant tiebreaking criteria decisive.
Indonesia, meanwhile, have already been eliminated following heavy defeats against Libya and Iraq, but will be determined to deliver a more competitive performance in their final appearance.
Group Standings Ahead of Final Round
Group A
| Position | Team | Played | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 2 | 9 | 4 | +5 | 6 |
| 2 | Tunisia | 2 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 3 |
| 3 | Qatar | 2 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 3 |
| 4 | Türkiye | 2 | 1 | 13 | −12 | 0 |
Group B
| Position | Team | Played | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libya | 2 | 18 | 2 | +16 | 6 |
| 2 | Iraq | 2 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 3 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 2 | 5 | 6 | −1 | 3 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 2 | 0 | 19 | −19 | 0 |
Semifinal Picture Set to Take Shape
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, with the Group A winners facing the Group B runners-up and the Group B winners meeting the Group A runners-up.
Russia and Libya have already confirmed their progression, while Tunisia, Qatar, Iraq and Saudi Arabia remain in contention for the final two places.
The possibility of further all-Arab encounters in the knockout stage adds another dimension to an already compelling tournament.
With qualification, group leadership and national pride at stake, the final round of group-stage action in Antalya promises high-intensity competition as the 2026 Minifootball World Cup moves closer to its decisive stages.
International Minifootball Federation (IMF)
Official Media Office – Antalya, Türkiye
