Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Saudi Arabia have participated in six FIFA World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022, making 2026 their seventh appearance. Their best result remains the 1994 edition in the United States, where they reached the round of 16 in their debut tournament. That campaign included a memorable 1-0 win over Belgium, featuring Saeed Al-Owairan's celebrated 70-yard solo goal, before losing to Sweden 3-1 in the last 16. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia produced arguably one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in the group stage, though they did not advance beyond the group. Saudi Arabia have also won the AFC Asian Cup three times (1984, 1988, 1996).

Qualification

Saudi Arabia qualified for 2026 via the AFC fourth round, which served as a playoff for nations that had not secured automatic qualification in the third round. Saudi Arabia were placed in Group A alongside Iraq and Indonesia, hosting the mini-tournament. They clinched first place and direct qualification with a 0-0 draw against Iraq on the final matchday in October 2025. The campaign under Herve Renard, who had returned for a second stint as coach, ultimately secured Saudi Arabia's place, though Renard was subsequently dismissed in April 2026 before the tournament began.

Preparation

Following Herve Renard's dismissal in April 2026, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation appointed Greek coach Georgios Donis on April 24, 2026. He named a final 26-man squad on June 1 and guided Saudi Arabia through three pre-tournament friendlies: a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador (May 30), a 3-0 win over Puerto Rico (June 5), and a 0-0 draw with Senegal (June 9). Saudi Arabia opened their Group H campaign on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. Abdulelah Al-Amri gave them the lead in the 41st minute before Maxi Araújo equalized in the 80th. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made 9 saves and was named player of the match. In their second Group H fixture on June 21, Saudi Arabia were beaten 4-0 by Spain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal (twice) and an Hassan Al-Tambakti own goal gave Spain a dominant win. In their final group match on June 26 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Cape Verde. Al-Tambakti was stretchered off in the 33rd minute with an injury. Cape Verde advanced as group runners-up with 3 points; Saudi Arabia finished fourth with 2 points (W0 D2 L1, GD -4) and were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup at the group stage, failing to advance for the sixth consecutive tournament since their 1994 debut. Players addressed the media in sombre mood, with Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat stating 'I can't describe how disappointed and saddened we are.' As of mid-July 2026, the Saudi federation had not yet decided Donis's future: reported talks with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stalled at the inquiry stage, with his lawyer saying a move to Saudi Arabia is unlikely. Separately, Al-Hilal confirmed several players carried World Cup-related or club injuries into July: Al-Tambakti has a torn right foot tendon (6-7 weeks), captain Al-Dawsari a knee tendon issue pending a 20 July specialist review, and Moteb Al-Harbi is due for eye surgery.

Latest news

Al-Hilal confirm foot tendon tear for Al-Tambakti, knee injury for captain Al-Dawsari

· injuries

Al-Hilal says defender Hassan Al-Tambakti tore his right foot tendon playing for Saudi Arabia at the World Cup (forced off vs Cape Verde, 26 June); 6-7 weeks of treatment. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari has a knee tendon injury, seeing a specialist 20 July to decide on surgery; 6-8 week recovery either way. Moteb Al-Harbi needs eye surgery, hoping to rejoin training after recovering.

Jorge Jesus unlikely to take Saudi Arabia job; Donis's fate still undecided

· coach

Talks between Saudi officials and Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stalled at an initial inquiry, his lawyer says, calling a move to Saudi Arabia unlikely; Jesus reportedly prefers Portugal and holds offers from Qatar, Turkey and Brazil. Donis, contracted through July 2027, still faces possible dismissal after the group-stage exit, with no final decision yet.

Saudi Arabia players express dismay after World Cup group-stage exit

· general

After the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde ended their World Cup, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat said 'I can't describe how disappointed and saddened we are' and defended his teammates: 'Every one of them cares deeply about this country and wants to give everything for it.' Players walked past, heads bowed, whispering apologies. Saudi Arabia failed to advance for a sixth straight World Cup since their 1994 debut.

Saudi Arabia draw 0-0 with Cape Verde and exit World Cup at group stage

· matches

Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia, NRG Stadium, Houston, 26 June 2026. Needing a win, the Saudis could not break down Cape Verde. Al-Tambakti stretchered off in the 33rd (Lajami on); Al-Owais saved Duarte's one-on-one in the 74th. xG: Cape Verde 1.52, Saudi Arabia 0.40. They finish Group H fourth (W0 D2 L1, 2 pts, GD -4), eliminated; Cape Verde advance as runners-up to face Argentina in the round of 32.

Saudi Arabia arrive in Houston ahead of decisive Cape Verde Group H clash on June 26

· general

The Saudi national team delegation arrived in Houston on 25 June 2026 and trained at Houston Dynamo's facility under coach Georgios Donis in preparation for their must-win final group match against Cape Verde at NRG Stadium on 26 June. Saudi officials and players described the match as a 'final', with a win needed to advance to the round of 32 for the first time since 1994.

Al-Tambakti returns to group training in Austin after foot injury scare; cleared ahead of Cape Verde

· injuries

Defender Hassan Al-Tambakti rejoined Saudi Arabia's group training in Austin on 25 June 2026 after medical evaluation cleared him following a foot injury. He had missed the previous day's session after feeling pain in his foot after the 4-0 loss to Spain. The medical staff confirmed his condition was satisfactory; he will travel to Houston for the Cape Verde match.

Saudi Arabia confirm Al-Tambakti foot injury; absent from training ahead of Cape Verde match

· injuries

The Saudi national team issued an official statement on 24 June 2026 confirming that defender Hassan Al-Tambakti suffered a foot injury after the Spain match, causing him pain and forcing him to miss training. He was placed under the care of the medical staff to assess whether he could participate in the crucial Cape Verde group match on 26 June.

Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Group H; Al-Tambakti own goal caps heavy defeat

· matches

Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia, Atlanta, 21 June 2026. Yamal 10', Oyarzabal 21' 24', Al-Tambakti OG 49' (Cucurella shot). Spain xG 2.30 vs 0.14. Torres goal ruled out (VAR offside). Al-Dawsari yellow 30', Kanno yellow 60'. Saudi Arabia finish with one point from two games; must beat Cape Verde on 26 June to stay in contention.

Saudi Arabia travel to Atlanta to prepare for Spain clash on June 21

· general

After a closed training session at Q2 Stadium in Austin, the Saudi national team departed for Atlanta on Friday 20 June ahead of their second Group H fixture against Spain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 21 June 2026. Spain's Marc Cucurella acknowledged Saudi Arabia as a defensively solid side that will look to exploit counter-attacks.

Saudi Arabia draw 1-1 with Uruguay in World Cup Group H opener; Al-Owais makes 9 saves

· matches

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens on 15 June 2026. Al-Amri headed in the rebound after Muslera's parry in the 41st minute; Araújo equalized in the 80th. Goalkeeper Al-Owais made 9 saves and was named player of the match. Al-Amri received a yellow card in the 44th minute. Both teams earned one point in Group H.

Al-Aqidi confirmed absent for Uruguay opener; Al-Hamdan appears as late substitute

· injuries

Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was confirmed unavailable for Saudi Arabia's Group H opener against Uruguay on 15 June 2026 due to his ongoing muscle injury. Mohammed Al-Owais started in goal. Forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who had been doubtful after an ankle sprain suffered against Senegal on 9 June, was included in the squad and came on as a substitute in the 93rd minute, confirming his recovery.

Saudi Arabia hold open training session in Austin; five players meet fans

· general

Saudi Arabia held an open training session at Q2 Stadium in Austin on 11 June 2026 as part of FIFA's community engagement initiative. Players who started against Senegal undertook recovery exercises while the rest completed a full session. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Saleh Al-Shehri, Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Ali Majrashi met supporters, signing shirts and taking photos.

Al-Hamdan returns to group training after ankle sprain from Jackson tackle

· injuries

Forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan returned to Saudi Arabia's group training on 11 June 2026 after recovering from a sprained ankle suffered when Senegal's Nicolas Jackson tackled him aggressively in the 84th minute of the June 9 friendly. Al-Hamdan underwent intensive treatment over several days. His full readiness for the June 15 opener against Uruguay is being monitored.

Saudi Arabia and Senegal draw 0-0 in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Saudi Arabia closed their pre-tournament preparation with a goalless draw against Senegal at Toyota Field in San Antonio on 9 June 2026. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais starred with several saves, while Saudi Arabia created chances but were wasteful in front of goal. Senegal finished with ten men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a second bookable offence late in the game.

Al-Tambakti recovers from hamstring strain and features against Senegal

· injuries

Defender Hassan Al-Tambakti completed his rehabilitation program and returned to full group training after the hamstring strain that kept him out of the Puerto Rico friendly. Medical staff confirmed the injury was minor; he featured in the Senegal warm-up on 9 June 2026, coming on as a halftime substitute, and is considered fit for the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in weather-delayed first win under Donis

· matches

Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 at Q2 Stadium in Austin on 5 June 2026, Georgios Donis's first win after the loss to Ecuador. The game was halted in the 21st minute for nearly two hours by thunderstorms. Sultan Mandash scored just before half-time (45+1'), Abdullah Al-Hamdan added a second (50') and captain Salem Al-Dawsari sealed it (88').

Tests confirm Al-Tambakti hamstring strain is minor; targeting Senegal, fit for World Cup

· injuries

Medical examinations in Austin reported on 5 June 2026 found that defender Hassan Al-Tambakti has a hamstring strain that the staff do not consider concerning ahead of the World Cup. He sat out the Puerto Rico friendly as a precaution and is being readied for the final warm-up against Senegal, with the medical team expecting him available before the Group H opener against Uruguay.

Al-Tambakti halted in Austin training with hamstring pain; precautionary

· injuries

Defender Hassan Al-Tambakti did not complete a Saudi Arabia training session at the Austin camp on 4 June 2026 after feeling pain in his posterior thigh (hamstring). The technical staff stopped him precautionarily; reports said the issue did not look concerning so far, with fresh medical tests due to determine his readiness.

Goalkeeper Al-Aqidi still in rehab at Austin base camp

· injuries

As Saudi Arabia trained in Austin using smart monitoring wristbands to manage workloads, goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was reported to be continuing his rehabilitation program under the medical staff's supervision while working toward rejoining group training. He remains in the final 26-man squad.

Donis names final 26-man squad; four trimmed from the provisional 30

· squad

Coach Georgios Donis confirmed Saudi Arabia's final 26-man World Cup squad on 1 June 2026, cutting four players from the preliminary 30: goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiyah, defender Zakaria Al-Hawsawi (Al-Ahli), midfielder Saleh Abu Al-Shamat (Al-Ahli) and forward Abdullah Al-Salem (Al-Qadsiah). Al-Hawsawi's and Abu Al-Shamat's omissions, both tied to fitness concerns, drew the most debate.

Saudi Arabia lose pre-tournament friendly 2-1 to Ecuador in New Jersey

· matches

In their first pre-World Cup friendly, Saudi Arabia lost 2-1 to Ecuador at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on 30 May 2026. Jackson Porozo (35') and Anthony Valencia (51') scored for Ecuador; Sultan Mandash pulled one back for Saudi Arabia (87').

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Mohammed Al-OwaisGKAl-Hilal
Nawaf Al-AqidiGKAl-Nassr
Ahmed Al-KassarGKAl-Qadsiah
Saud AbdulhamidDFRC Lens
Hassan Al-TambaktiDFAl-Hilal
Abdulelah Al-AmriDFAl-Nassr
Ali LajamiDFAl-Hilal
Jehad ThakriDFAl-Qadsiah
Hassan KadeshDFAl-Ittihad
Mohammed Abu Al-ShamatDFAl-Qadsiah
Ali MajrashiDFAl-Ahli
Moteb Al-HarbiDFAl-Hilal
Nawaf BoushalDFAl-Nassr
Mohamed KannoMFAl-Hilal
Salem Al-DawsariMFAl-Hilal
Nasser Al-DawsariMFAl-Hilal
Abdullah Al-KhaibariMFAl-Nassr
Ziyad Al-JohaniMFAl-Ahli
Musab Al-JuwayrMFAl-Qadsiah
Alaa Al-HajjiMFNEOM SC
Khalid Al-GhannamMFAl-Ettifaq
Ayman YahyaMFAl-Nassr
Sultan MandashMFAl-Hilal
Firas Al-BuraikanFWAl-Ahli
Saleh Al-ShehriFWAl-Ittihad
Abdullah Al-HamdanFWAl-Nassr

Recent results

  • 2023-11-16 — KSA 4-0 PAK (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — JOR 0-2 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-01-04 — KSA 1-0 LBN (friendly)
  • 2024-01-09 — KSA 0-0 PLE (friendly)
  • 2024-01-10 — KSA 2-0 HKG (friendly)
  • 2024-03-21 — KSA 1-0 TJK (qualification)
  • 2024-03-26 — TJK 1-1 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-06-06 — PAK 0-3 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — KSA 1-2 JOR (qualification)
  • 2024-09-05 — KSA 1-1 IDN (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — CHN 1-2 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — KSA 0-2 JPN (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — KSA 0-0 BHR (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — AUS 0-0 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — IDN 2-0 KSA (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — KSA 1-0 CHN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — JPN 0-0 KSA (qualification)
  • 2025-05-30 — KSA 2-0 JOR (friendly)
  • 2025-06-05 — BHR 0-2 KSA (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — KSA 1-2 AUS (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — KSA 2-1 MKD (friendly)
  • 2025-09-08 — CZE 1-1 KSA (friendly)
  • 2025-10-08 — KSA 3-2 IDN (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — KSA 0-0 IRQ (qualification)
  • 2025-11-14 — KSA 1-0 CIV (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — KSA 0-2 ALG (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — KSA 0-4 EGY (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — SRB 2-1 KSA (friendly)
  • 2026-05-30 — ECU 2-1 KSA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-05 — PUR 0-3 KSA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-09 — KSA 0-0 SEN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-15 — KSA 1-1 URU (group)
  • 2026-06-21 — ESP 4-0 KSA (group)
  • 2026-06-26 — CPV 0-0 KSA (group)

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