This piece is part of a collaboration involving the leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament approaches its kickoff on June 11, previews from three different countries will be shared daily.
Coaching Changes and Squad Selection
The narrative begins in late April when Hervé Renard was dismissed as head coach, subsequently replaced by Georgios Donis. The former Blackburn winger selected his squad without having managed a single game.
Renard served as head coach from 2019 to 2023, during which he achieved the notable feat of leading his team to victory against Argentina at the Qatar World Cup. However, he broke the cardinal rule of football by returning to the role in October 2024, taking over from Roberto Mancini, who seemed ill-suited for the position. Renard’s return did not yield the expected results, and without the expansion of the tournament, the Green Falcons might not have qualified.
Upon his departure, Renard stated,
“That’s football … Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me. There’s only one coach who has led them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022. At least there will be that sense of pride.”
Saudi Arabia: Group H Matches
15 June vs. Uruguay, Miami (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, 16 June 8 AM AEST)
21 June vs. Spain, Atlanta (noon local, 5 PM BST, 22 June 2 AM AEST)
26 June vs. Cape Verde, Houston (7 PM local, 27 June 1 AM BST, 27 June 10 AM AEST)
However, that pride was somewhat diminished following a 4-0 loss to Egypt in March. The 1994 World Cup star, Saeed Al-Owairan, remarked,
“It could have been 6-0 by half-time.”
Whispers of discontent regarding Renard grew, especially after news surfaced that he had been in discussions with Ghana about their vacant head coach position, leading to his eventual dismissal. In Saudi Arabia, the criticism focused more on the timing of his firing than the decision itself.
Donis is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, and with limited preparation time, ensuring the team is defensively solid may be the best strategy, especially since there were no clean sheets in Renard’s last eight matches. Scoring has also been a challenge, with only seven goals registered during the main qualification rounds, none of which came from recognized forwards.
Despite these challenges, there is potential within the squad, and perhaps a bit less pressure now. Additionally, Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup for the first time in January, aiming to secure their first continental title since 1996, marking the beginning of their preparations for the 2034 World Cup.
The New Coach
Georgios Donis will face his first competitive match as head coach against Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay, with little time to prepare. Having coached four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, Donis is familiar with the league and its players, which contributed to his appointment. He successfully guided Al-Khaleej to a mid-table finish this season, playing an attractive style of football.
Key Player to Watch
Salem Al-Dawsari, the Asian Player of the Year, famously netted the winning goal against Argentina in 2022 and has consistently shone for Al-Hilal, effectively utilizing his left-wing position. Although nearing 35, his ongoing prominence raises concerns, and his recent performances for the national team have been less than stellar, including missed penalties that could have eased Mancini’s tenure. Nonetheless, he remains capable of delivering exceptional performances on the grandest stages.
Rising Star
Musab Al-Juwayr, just 22, has already accumulated over 30 caps for the Green Falcons. The creative midfielder, who secured the Saudi Pro League’s Most Promising Player award last season, is expected to make a significant impact with his vision and passing ability. After transferring to Al-Qadsiah, he has enjoyed increased playing time under Brendan Rodgers, helping the club achieve a top-four finish.
Unsung Contributor
Firas Al-Buraikan often faces skepticism surrounding Saudi strikers. Despite being constantly compared to renowned foreign forwards, he endures scrutiny regarding his playing time. At 26 years old, he seems like a veteran. He has scored goals when given opportunities at the club level but has yet to claim the No. 9 position for his country. Nonetheless, his work ethic is commendable, and his decisive goal in the Asian Champions League final this past April should bolster his confidence.
Probable Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
Having been well-represented at the Club World Cup where Al-Hilal impressed, ticket sales have been “steady” among local fans as well as the Saudi community in the United States. Thousands are expected to attend the matches in Miami, Atlanta, and Houston. Fans in the Saudi Pro League are typically young, enthusiastic, and vocal, gaining notoriety in Asia for their elaborate tifos. They create a distinctive atmosphere that sets them apart from the European ultras.
US-Saudi Relations
The relationship is somewhat complex, but Saudi Arabia is considered one of President Trump’s favored nations, with a positive rapport between him and the leader, Mohammed bin Salman. As a historic ally of the United States, Saudi Arabia remains the largest purchaser of military equipment from them. The U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran have stirred unease in Riyadh due to the retaliatory measures from Tehran and the resulting instability in the region. Nevertheless, Saudi players and staff generally refrain from making political statements, a trend that is likely to continue.
