Saudi Arabia's finest World Cup showing came in 1994 in the United States, where they reached the Round of 16 before falling to Sweden. The 2026 tournament will mark their seventh appearance, though the road there proved difficult. The Green Falcons secured their place by advancing to the fourth round of the AFC qualifiers, where they finished top of their group ahead of Iraq and Indonesia. Their failure to qualify in earlier rounds, unlike sides such as Japan and Australia, raised some concerns, but the team ultimately met its objective and became the 26th nation to book a spot at the tournament.
The squad is headlined by captain Salem Al-Dawsari. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal left winger is also the most experienced member of the team, with 108 caps. Al-Ahli striker Firas Al-Buraikan, who found the net repeatedly for the Green Falcons during qualifying, is included as well. Right-back Saud Abdulhamid, currently enjoying an excellent season in European football with RC Lens, also makes the list. With more than 50 international caps at just 26, Abdulhamid stands out for his pace, attacking runs, and ability to cover the entire flank, making him a key figure at both ends of the pitch. Other notable selections include Mohamed Kanno (Al-Hilal), Abdullah Al-Hamdan (Al-Nassr), and Musab Al-Juwayr (Al-Qadsiah).
Al-Juwayr, who turns 23 during the tournament, is the youngest player in a squad drawn primarily from the ranks of the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi Arabia has been drawn into Group H and will open its campaign against Uruguay on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Green Falcons then face Spain on June 21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, before concluding the group stage against Cape Verde on June 26 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Saudi Arabia 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ula), Nawaf Al Aqidi (Al Nassr), Ahmed Al Kassar (Al Qadsiah)
Defenders: Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (Lens), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), Sultan Al-Ghannam (Al Nassr)
Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (Neom), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr)
Forwards: Firas Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr)
