The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is confident that it will eventually be possible for an Asian nation to win the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia have qualified for their fourth consecutive finals but, after their dismal showing in 2002, are expected to head home after the group stage of Germany 2006.

However, SAFF spokesman Abdallah al-Dibil insisted that qualifying again was a sign of progress and that there is no reason to think that success would elude them forever.

"SAFF has spent just about all the money it has to get Saudi Arabia into the World Cup," he said.

"We have made it to our fourth World Cup in a row, when even some big teams have not managed (to get there).

"We hope that in the future the World Cup will be one that Saudi Arabia wins."

Saudi Arabia face games against Spain, Ukraine and Tunisia after being drawn in Group H.