Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026

Saudi Arabia return to the World Cup having produced one of the greatest upsets in history at Qatar 2022, when they defeated eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in the opening match. The Green Falcons have been a consistent Asian presence and are investing heavily in their domestic game, with the Saudi Pro League attracting global superstars. Their national squad remains largely home-based, but players now benefit from training alongside world-class club team-mates. Saudi Arabia's style has evolved toward a more aggressive, pressing approach, and their 2022 heroics proved they can compete with — and beat — the very best on their day.

Saudi Arabia secured a third straight World Cup by winning AFC fourth-round Group B in October 2025. Drawn into Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde, they face an enormous challenge against two former champions but arrive with the self-belief born of shocking Argentina and a rapidly developing squad.

Georgios Donis sets up an organised, counter-attacking 4-2-3-1. Salem Al-Dawsari — scorer of both goals against Argentina in 2022 — is the chief creative and goal threat, Saud Abdulhamid adds defensive quality, and the side defends compactly and breaks with pace. Disciplined, resilient and dangerous on the counter.

Saudi Arabia have appeared at six World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022). Their best result was the 1994 Round of 16 in the United States, where Saeed Al-Owairan scored one of the greatest solo goals in World Cup history. The 2022 victory over Argentina stands as their most famous result, one of the biggest upsets the tournament has ever seen.

Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup ended Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run — a result so unexpected it was celebrated as a public holiday back home.