Saudi Arabia compete in Group Eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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AFC Asian Cup winners in 1984, 1988, and 1996
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022
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FIFA ranking: 61
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Nickname: Green Falcons / Al-Akhdar
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Top clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli
Qualification: Saudi Arabia had a difficult road, needing to go through the fourth round of Asian qualifying after falling short in the third round, where they finished behind Japan and notably Australia. A final goalless draw with Iraq was enough to clinch their World Cup place on goal difference.
Coach: Hervé Renard, who previously managed Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 and has since led several other national teams, returned to take charge in October 2024 and secured World Cup qualification. However, the experienced Frenchman was sacked two months before the tournament and replaced in April by Yorgos Donis. The 56-year-old former Greek international has prior coaching experience in the Saudi league.
Star player: Winger Salem Al-Dawsari — nicknamed "The Hurricane" — is preparing for his third World Cup with the Green Falcons, having earned over a hundred international caps (25 goals). He was one of the heroes of the historic 2022 group-stage win over Argentina (2–1), scoring a brilliant goal. The 34-year-old remains at the top of his game, recording eight goals and ten assists this season in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
Ambitions: Despite their famous result against Argentina in Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia finished last in their group and failed once again to reach the knockout rounds. In a group that includes Spain and Uruguay, they hope to reach the last 16 for the first time since 1994.