The image remains etched in football history.
On November 22, 2022, Saudi Arabia stunned the world by defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the opening match of the eventual World Cup champions’ campaign in Qatar. That historic 2-1 victory remains arguably the greatest achievement in Saudi football history and perfectly symbolizes the ambition of a nation that has spent years trying to establish itself as a new force in world soccer.
Four years later, the Green Falcons return to the World Cup in a radically different context. The kingdom is investing heavily in football, will host the 2034 World Cup, and now attracts some of the biggest stars on the planet to the Saudi Pro League. Yet behind this spectacular showcase lies a fundamental question for the national team: can it truly take the next step on the international stage when local player development is often overshadowed by the pursuit of global superstars?
Saudi Arabia enters this World Cup with more modest ambitions. The primary objective is to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1994 and demonstrate that the development of Saudi football is about more than financial investment alone. Achieving that goal, however, will be extremely difficult.
The group
Saudi Arabia will compete in Group E alongside:
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Cape Verde
On paper, it is one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Spain is among the leading contenders to win the World Cup, while Uruguay boasts an exceptionally talented generation led by Federico Valverde, Ronald Araújo, and Darwin Núñez under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa. However, observers will be keeping an eye on the often intense relationship between the fiery Argentine coach and his squad.
Cape Verde may be considered the group’s outsider, but in recent years the African nation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to compete with more established football powers.
For Saudi Arabia, qualification will likely require an upset against one of the group’s two giants or a strong enough overall performance to finish among the best third-placed teams. The clash with Cape Verde could already prove decisive in the race for a place in the Round of 16.
Key player
Salem Al-Dawsari
At 34 years old, Salem Al-Dawsari remains the heart and soul of this national team.
The scorer of the winning goal against Argentina in 2022 is still the most experienced and influential player in the squad. His leadership, creativity, and ability to change a game through individual brilliance continue to make him Saudi Arabia’s greatest attacking threat.
This World Cup could be his last, and he dreams of leaving the international stage by helping his country achieve a historic qualification for the knockout rounds.
Musab Al-Juwayr
The Guardian has described Al-Juwayr as one of the symbols of Saudi Arabia’s new generation.
At just 23 years old, the midfielder has gradually established himself as one of the kingdom’s most promising talents. Intelligent in possession and capable of driving forward quickly, he represents the face of the squad’s ongoing renewal.
This tournament could mark his true arrival on the international stage.
Hassan Kadesh
Long considered a dependable squad player, Kadesh has become an essential figure in Saudi Arabia’s defensive unit.
Strong in duels and armed with considerable international experience, he embodies the stability sought by the coaching staff. In a group where Saudi Arabia will likely spend long stretches defending, his role will be crucial.
Firas Al-Buraikan
The Al-Ahli striker has gradually become the kingdom’s primary attacking reference point.
Powerful, mobile, and capable of playing both as a target man and as a runner in behind defenses, Al-Buraikan will carry a significant share of his team’s offensive responsibilities. Against defensive units such as those of Spain and Uruguay, his finishing ability could make all the difference.
The face of Saudi in 2026
Saudi Arabia arrives at this World Cup in a paradoxical situation.
On one hand, Saudi football has never enjoyed such vast resources. Massive investment in the Saudi Pro League, the arrival of international stars, and the awarding of the 2034 World Cup all reflect an unprecedented level of ambition.
On the other hand, the national team is still searching for genuine sporting validation.
The return of Hervé Renard had initially been one of the biggest reasons for optimism. Having already guided the team during its famous victory over Argentina in 2022, the French coach returned with the mission of restoring a clear identity to the Green Falcons. His international experience and deep knowledge of the squad were considered major assets.
However, a major shock struck Saudi football in April.
On April 17, Hervé Renard was abruptly dismissed from his position. Just two months before the tournament, the Saudi federation placed itself in an extremely difficult situation by forcing the national team to rebuild its playing project at the last minute. Tensions surrounding the reduced role of Saudi players due to the growing influence of foreign stars in the Saudi Pro League reportedly lay at the heart of the disagreements that led to his departure.
It serves as a reminder that the explosion of financial resources and the influx of international stars have not brought only positive consequences.
The World Cup campaign will therefore be entrusted to former Al Khaleej head coach Georgios Donis, the former Greek international player turned manager.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Asian qualifying campaign exposed certain limitations. The Green Falcons remain a difficult team to beat but sometimes lack attacking firepower against the continent’s strongest opponents. Most of the squad’s veteran leaders are approaching the final stages of their careers, while the younger generation has not yet fully taken over.
That is what makes this team so difficult to assess.
Capable of defeating Argentina in 2022, Saudi Arabia is equally capable of enduring far more difficult stretches. Its true level probably lies somewhere between those two extremes.
Despite the turmoil, the official objective remains qualification for the Round of 16, which would already represent a major achievement given the strength of the group. Few observers envision Saudi Arabia playing a significant role in the race for the title, but many view it as one of the teams capable of producing a surprise.
As is often the case with the Green Falcons, everything will depend on their ability to transform enthusiasm into efficiency.
One thing is certain: with their own World Cup only eight years away, the Saudis approach this tournament as a crucial stage in their development. The kingdom no longer wants to simply participate in football’s biggest events.
It now wants to be counted among the nations that shape them.