Saudi ArabiaGroup H · AFC · FIFA #61 · Elo 1566
📅 Group H: vs Cabo Verde · Spain · Uruguay
The Green Falcons arrive in Group H carrying the legacy of their iconic 2-1 upset of Argentina in Qatar 2022, yet face a sterner test: back-to-back pre-tournament coaching changes, an almost entirely domestic squad, and a group containing Spain and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia's stunning 2-1 win over eventual-champions Argentina in Qatar 2022 is considered one of the greatest World Cup upsets of all time.
Saud Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player to win European domestic silverware when RC Lens lifted the Coupe de France in May 2026, just before the tournament — and Lens made his deal permanent on 4 June 2026.
25 of the 26 players in the squad play in the Roshn Saudi Pro League — only Abdulhamid is Europe-based.
Captain Salem Al-Dawsari, a two-time AFC Player of the Year (2022 and 2025), has spent virtually his entire career at Al-Hilal and makes his third World Cup appearance at age 34.
Coach Georgios Donis was appointed on 23 April 2026 — just seven weeks before the tournament — one of the most last-minute appointments in World Cup history.
At USA 1994, Saeed Al-Owairan picked the ball up in his own half and slalomed past four Belgians to score one of the greatest solo goals in World Cup history — he was instantly dubbed 'the Maradona of the Arabs'.
Saudi Arabia sacked coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in the middle of the 1998 World Cup — the Brazilian who had won the whole thing with Brazil four years earlier was fired after just two group games in France.
The big number is the player's EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) overall rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value & role.
Tip: click any player for full details, or “✨ Get to know Saudi Arabia” up top for trivia & the anthem. OVR = EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value.
Uruguay
Spain
Cabo Verde