The Saudi Arabia World Cup squad has now finally been announced, completing the final roster reveal in Group H ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Everyone remembers where they were when Saudi Arabia shocked the soccer world with a famous 2-1 victory over Argentina in their opening match at the 2022 World Cup. Fans everywhere realized this was a nation capable of producing unforgettable moments. Four years later, the Green Falcons are back, and their Group H opponents, Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, know they cannot afford to underestimate them.
Here is a closer look at the 26 players selected for the Saudi Arabia World Cup squad.
Saudi Arabia World Cup Squad: Goalkeepers
| Player | Club | Age |
| Nawaf Al-Aqidi | Al-Nassr | 26 |
| Mohammed Al-Owais | Al-Ula | 34 |
| Ahmed Al-Kassar | Al-Qadsiah | 35 |
Nawaf Al-Aqidi of Al-Nassr enters the tournament as Saudi Arabia’s undisputed number one goalkeeper. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the Saudi Pro League’s top shot-stoppers, helping transform Al-Nassr into a title winning side.
With 22 international appearances already to his name, Al-Aqidi represents the future of Saudi Arabian soccer. He combines consistency with experience gained from facing some of the world’s best attackers every week in the SPL.
Alongside him is veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
Now 34 years old, Al-Owais remains a national hero after his legendary performance against Argentina in 2022, where he produced one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in World Cup history. He spent this season playing in Saudi Arabia’s second division, recording 11 clean sheets in 35 appearances. His experience could prove invaluable.
Completing the goalkeeping trio is 35-year-old Ahmed Al-Kassar of Al-Qadsiah, whose eight international caps provide some more veteran experience and mentorship.
Saudi Arabia World Cup Squad: The Defense
A remarkable feature of the Saudi Arabia World Cup squad is its domestic defensive identity.
| Player | Club | Age |
| Ali Majrashi | Al-Ahli | 26 |
| Ali Lajami | Al-Hilal | 30 |
| Abdulelah Al-Amri | Al-Nassr | 29 |
| Hassan Al-Tambakti | Al-Hilal | 27 |
| Saud Abdulhamid | Lens | 26 |
| Nawaf Boushal | Al-Nassr | 26 |
| Hassan Kadesh | Al-Ittihad | 33 |
| Moteb Al-Harbi | Al-Hilal | 26 |
| Jehad Thakri | Al-Qadsiah | 24 |
| Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat | Al-Qadsiah | 23 |
Twenty-five of the 26 selected players in the entire squad compete in the Saudi Pro League. Only one member of the squad currently plays in Europe, and he comes from the defensive line. We’ll get to him in a bit.
The central defensive partnership is expected to feature Hassan Al-Tambakti of Al-Hilal alongside Abdulelah Al-Amri of Al-Nassr.
Al-Tambakti has developed into arguably the country’s best center back, appearing in 29 league matches this season while maintaining a high passing accuracy. His composure on the ball complements the more physical style of Al-Amri, who contributed two goals and helped his club record 10 clean sheets during the victorious 2025-26 campaign.
Providing depth in central defense are Ali Lajami of Al-Hilal and Ali Majrashi of Al-Ahli.
The squad’s only Europe-based player is fullback Saud Abdulhamid, who now plays for French side RC Lens. During the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, Abdulhamid recorded two goals, four assists, and created 23 chances in just over 1,300 minutes of action.
His pace and attacking ideas make him one of Saudi Arabia’s most important offensive outlets from deep positions. Furthermore, Abdulhamid also helped Lens capture the Coupe de France this season.
On the opposite flank, Nawaf Boushal, Hassan Kadesh, and Moteb Al-Harbi provide the coaching staff with multiple high-quality options.
Saudi Arabia World Cup Squad: The Midfield
The heart and soul of this Saudi Arabian team lies in midfield.
| Player | Club | Age |
| Nasser Al-Dawsari | Al-Hilal | 27 |
| Musab Al-Juwayr | Al-Qadsiah | 22 |
| Ayman Yahya | Al-Nassr | 25 |
| Salem Al-Dawsari (captain) | Al-Hilal | 34 |
| Abdullah Al-Khaibari | Al-Nassr | 29 |
| Ziyad Al-Johani | Al-Ahli | 24 |
| Alaa Al-Hejji | Neom | 30 |
| Sultan Mandash | Al-Hilal | 31 |
| Mohamed Kanno (vice-captain) | Al-Hilal | 31 |
At the center of everything stands captain Salem Al-Dawsari.
The 34-year-old Al-Hilal star has accumulated 108 international appearances and 26 goals for his country. Already a three-time World Cup scorer, including his unforgettable winning goal against Argentina in 2022, Al-Dawsari remains Saudi Arabia’s biggest game-changer.
He arrives at the tournament after another productive club campaign, scoring 10 goals in 35 appearances. Al-Dawsari has scored 61 goals across the last three seasons which is a proof of his consistency.
Alongside him is vice-captain Mohamed Kanno, whose physicality and relentless work rate allow Saudi Arabia to compete against stronger opponents in midfield battles.
However, the player generating the most excitement is undoubtedly Musab Al-Juwayr.
The 22-year-old Al-Qadsiah midfielder enjoyed a sensational breakout season, finishing with six goals and 11 assists this season. Already boasting six international goals, Al-Juwayr has quickly become one of Saudi soccer’s brightest young stars. Many, including myself, believe he could become the breakout player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nasser Al-Dawsari and Abdullah Al-Khaibari add valuable depth and defensive stability, while the inclusion of Alaa Al-Hejji from second-tier side Neom S.C. is also quite a surprise.
Saudi Arabia World Cup Squad: The Attack
Up front, Saudi Arabia will rely on a combination of proven international experience and variety in attack.
| Player | Club | Age |
| Firas Al-Buraikan | Al-Ahli | 26 |
| Saleh Al-Shehri | Al-Ittihad | 32 |
| Khalid Al-Ghannam | Al-Ettifaq | 25 |
| Abdullah Al-Hamdan | Al-Nassr | 26 |
Leading the line is Firas Al-Buraikan of Al-Ahli.
The 26-year-old striker has scored 15 goals in 69 appearances for the national team and continues to evolve into a complete center forward. He possesses great skill to occupy defenders and create space for teammates which makes him the likely starter.
Providing additional firepower is Saleh Al-Shehri.
Although he had a relatively modest club season, scoring three goals in limited minutes for Al-Ittihad, we cannot ignore his international portfolio. With 18 goals in 55 appearances for Saudi Arabia, Al-Shehri has repeatedly delivered in major tournaments.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan rounds out the attacking group with his versatility, allowing him to operate across multiple forward positions, and Khalid Al-Ghannam offers pace and creativity from wide areas.
Al-Dawsari and Al-Juwayr will be creating the chances from midfield, and it’s up to the forward line to convert them efficiently.
Saudi Arabia in Group H
Saudi Arabia has already shown the world that you cannot take them lightly after the opener in the 2022 campaign. The best players in the world come and play in the Saudi Pro League and their domestic teams often do well in continental club competitions. While Spain might be too much for them, fixtures against Uruguay and Cape Verde could see them getting at least 4 points from the group and hopefully qualify to the next round.
If they can recreate the magic from that night when they stunned Argentina four years ago, another World Cup surprise may not be far away.
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