World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia national team squad – Green Falcons face daunting task in challenging group
16:09, 18 May 2026
Saudi Arabia will arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hoping to build on their reputation as one of Asia’s leading football nations, but a difficult group-stage draw means progress to the knockout rounds is far from guaranteed.
The Green Falcons have been paired with European giants Spain, South American powerhouse Uruguay and World Cup debutants Cape Verde. While Saudi Arabia possess significant tournament experience, they face a demanding challenge if they are to reach the last 32 for only the second time in their history.
Saudi Arabia national team
Year founded: 1953
Most appearances: Mohamed Al-Deayea (173 matches)
Top scorer: Majed Abdullah (72 goals)
Captain: Salem Al-Dawsari
FIFA ranking (April 2026): 61
Qualifying round results
Saudi Arabia secured qualification for a seventh World Cup appearance after navigating a competitive Asian qualifying campaign.
The team began the journey under former Italy manager Roberto Mancini before later returning to the guidance of Hervé Renard. Competing in a demanding group featuring Japan, Australia and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia relied on defensive organisation and the experience of several players who featured at the 2022 World Cup.
Although results were not always consistent, crucial victories ensured the Green Falcons remained on course for qualification. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari continued to provide leadership in attack, while experienced figures throughout the squad helped guide the team through key moments of the campaign.
Their successful qualification further reinforced Saudi Arabia’s standing as one of the strongest national teams in Asian football.
Previous World Cup performance
Saudi Arabia’s finest World Cup achievement remains their memorable run to the Round of 16 at the 1994 tournament in the United States, their first appearance at the finals.
Across six previous World Cup campaigns, the Green Falcons have played 19 matches, recording four wins, two draws and 13 defeats. They have scored 14 goals and conceded 44.
The 2026 tournament offers an opportunity to equal or surpass their best-ever performance more than three decades after that breakthrough campaign.
Coach: Georgios Donis
Georgios Donis enters the tournament as one of the more intriguing managerial figures at the World Cup.
The Greek coach built his reputation through spells in both Europe and the Middle East after retiring from playing. He enjoyed domestic success with APOEL and later managed a number of prominent clubs, including Panathinaikos, AEK Athens, Al Hilal and Al Wehda.
Known for promoting attacking football and developing young talent, Donis was appointed Saudi Arabia manager in April following the departure of Hervé Renard after a disagreement with the national federation.
The appointment represented the first international coaching role of Donis’ career, and the World Cup will provide an immediate test of his ability to adapt to football’s highest level.
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsari
Few players have had a greater influence on Saudi Arabian football in recent years than Salem Al-Dawsari.
Born in 1991, the winger emerged through the youth ranks at Al Hilal and established himself as one of the most accomplished players of his generation. His pace, technical quality and creativity have made him a constant threat from the left flank.
Al-Dawsari also spent a brief period on loan at Villarreal CF in 2018, gaining valuable experience in European football.
His place in Saudi football history was further enhanced at the 2022 World Cup when he scored the decisive goal in the famous victory over Argentina national football team, one of the tournament’s biggest shocks. As captain, he is expected to carry much of Saudi Arabia’s attacking responsibility once again.
Predicted line-up
Saudi Arabia are expected to combine experienced international players with the tactical discipline that has become a hallmark of the national side over recent years
World Cup 2026 group-stage fixtures
16 June
Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (05:00)
21 June
Spain v Saudi Arabia (23:00)
27 June
Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia (07:00)
Head-to-head record against group opponents
v Uruguay
Played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
v Spain
Played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
v Cape Verde
Played: 0
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Tournament odds
According to bookmaker bet365, Saudi Arabia are considered outsiders to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with odds of 1,000/1.
While lifting the trophy may be unrealistic, the Green Falcons will believe they have the quality and experience to challenge for a place in the knockout stages. To do so, however, they will likely need to overcome at least one of the group’s established favourites and produce another memorable chapter in the nation’s World Cup history.
