Saudi Arabia announce squad for March international break; Salem Al-Dawsari included

The Falcons will face China and Japan in the qualifiers.

Herve Renard, the coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team, named a 27-man roster for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against China and Japan. The Green Falcons want to strengthen their Group C position when they play the games this month.

On March 20, the Green Falcons will play China at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh. They will play Japan at Saitama Stadium five days later. Their route to the 48-team World Cup could be decided by both games.

Renard’s roster combines up-and-coming players such as midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi with established players like Salem Al-Dawsari. Striker Firas Al-Buraikan spearheads the attack, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi returns following impressive club performances.

Japan are currently ahead of the Green Falcons in Group C. Saudi Arabia’s aspirations are boosted by the fact that six Asian countries would be guaranteed straight World Cup spots. They might get closer to qualifying if they defeat China and Japan.

On March 16, the team starts training in Riyadh. During training, Renard placed a strong emphasis on quick counterattacks and defensive discipline. “Our focus and unity will drive success in these high-stakes games,” he said.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia made their most recent World Cup appearance by defeating Argentina in a historic group-stage victory. Fans hope for another international exhibition, thanks to Renard’s approach and local backing.

Tickets for the China match are selling quickly as fans eagerly await it. Buzz on social media demonstrates faith in Renard’s ability to lead. Saudi Arabia will be hoping to win the qualifiers for the fourth time in a row.

Saudi Arabia announce squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Ahmed Al-Kassar, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Hamed Yousef, Mishari Sinior

Defenders: Hassan Kadesh, Jihad Zekri, Saad Al-Moussa, Ali Lajami, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Saud Abdulhamid, Nawaf Bushal, Ali Majrashi, Nasser Al-Dawsari

Midfielders: Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Musab Al-Juwayr, Ziad Al-Johani, Mohammed Kano, Salem Al-Dawsari, Turki Al-Ammar, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Ayman Yahya, Muhannad Al-Saad, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Marwan Al-Sahafi

Strikers: Firas Al-Buraikan, Abdullah Al-Salem

🦅⚪🟢 | @Herve_Renard_HR has named his squad list for the upcoming games against China 🇨🇳 and Japan 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/Q7IvSf9u4I

— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) March 12, 2025

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