Saudi Arabia team profile – FIFA World Cup
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Ranking: 61
Confederation: AFC
Who is Saudi Arabia’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Saudi Arabia’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Giorgos Donis. He has been in charge since April 23 2026, replacing Herve Renard, who guided the team through qualification
Who is Saudi Arabia’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Saudi Arabia’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Salem Al-Dawsari, who boasts over 100 caps for his country and was named AFC Player of the Year back in 2025.
How many times have Saudi Arabia participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
6 – 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022
What is Saudi Arabia’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Round of 16 – 1994 (Saudi Arabia have failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of their last five FIFA World Cup appearances).
How did Saudi Arabia qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Saudi Arabia qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of their group in the fourth round of the AFC qualification stage. After receiving a bye through the first round, the second round saw 36 teams drawn into nine groups with four, with Saudi Arabia finishing second in Group G on 13 points, losing out to table toppers Jordan on goal difference.
The 18 teams who qualified through the second round was placed into three groups of six in third round with the top two in each group qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026. Saudi Arabia finished third-place in Group C on 13 points, six points below second-placed Jordan and ten points behind group winners Japan.
Confirmation of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on October 14, 2025 during the fourth round of AFC qualifying, after a 0-0 draw against Iraq saw the Green Falcons finish top of Group B after previously having beaten Indonesia.
Who are Saudi Arabia’s star players?
Saudi Arabia are a team made up almost entirely of players that ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League. Arguably their biggest name is the captain, Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal), who notably scored the winning goal in the Green Falcons’ stunning 2-1 triumph against Lionel Messi and eventual champions Argentina back at FIFA World Cup 2022. Al-Dawsari is veteran winger who has scored at least twice for his country in every year since the start of 2021. He was named the Saudi Player of the Season across the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League.
Young midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr (Al Qadsiah) has already established himself as one of the standout players in the Saudi Pro League and with over 30 senior international caps already, the 22-year-old could be set to capture attention on the global stage at FIFA World Cup 2026. Winner of the Saudi Pro League Young Player of the Season in 2024-25, Al-Juwayr plays with a maturity beyond his years.
From a goalscoring perspective, attention must be drawn to Firas Al-Buraikan (Al Ahli), who scored the most number of goals for Saudi Arabia in qualifying, finding the net five times.
Who is in Saudi Arabia’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Saudi Arabia are in Group H, which consists of the following teams:
Spain
Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia’s Group H fixtures are as follows:
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Monday June 15, 2026 – 6:00pm ET, 11:00pm UK
Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Sunday June 21, 2026 – 12:00pm ET, 5:00pm UK
Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia: Friday June 26, 2026 – 8:00pm ET, 1:00am UK (Saturday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Saudi Arabia’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Austin FC Stadium – Austin, Texas.
Expert prediction for Saudi Arabia’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Anyone who underestimates Saudi Arabia will only have themselves to blame if they fall victim to the Green Falcons, just ask Argentina! But whilst Saudi Arabia have established a lucrative domestic league filled with some of the best international players in the world, there are still question marks over their domestic talent and whether they are strong enough to end the Green Falcons’ long wait to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup.
However, Giorgos Donis’ men have their work cut out after being placed in an exceedingly strong Group H. European champions Spain are rightly one of the favourites to win FIFA World Cup 2026, whilst Uruguay are usually high-level performers in this competition, making it to the knockout stage in three of the last four FIFA World Cups.
Facing Uruguay first is not the scenario Saudi Arabia would’ve wanted and neither is taking on Spain last, with the likelihood that Lamine Yamal will be back to full fitness by then. Throw in a battling Cabo Verde looking to spring a surprise in their debut World Cup appearance and it may be that FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to end in disappointment once again for the Green Falcons.
What round will Saudi Arabia reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Group Stage
