Saudi Arabia name preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Salem Al-Dawsari
The Green Falcons defeated world champions Argentina in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Saudi Arabia have announced their preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Big names like Salem Al-Dawsari of Al Hilal and Firas Al-Buraikan of Al Ahli have been named in the squad.
Greek gaffer Georgios Donis leads the Green Falcons. He has previously led top teams such as Al Hilal, Panathinaikos, and Maccabi Tel Aviv before taking over the reins from Herve Renard.
In their opening 2022 World Cup game, they went on to shock the footballing world. They defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina. With many elite players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves playing regularly in the Saudi Pro League, domestic Saudi players have become more competitive.
The Gulf nation has been drawn alongside European champions Spain, former world champions Uruguay and debutants Cape Verde in Group H.
Though they are not the favourites to finish in the top two, given their records of causing upsets like defeating Morocco, Argentina, Belgium and Egypt, they remain one of the serious contenders to book a knockout berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Just like last edition, they will kickstart their World Cup campaign against another South American nation, Uruguay. They would be keen to repeat the heroics of 2022.
Also read: When is Algeria World Cup squad announcement? Date & time revealed
Saudi Arabia announce preliminary FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Abdulqudos Attiah, Ahmed Alkassar, Mohammed Alowais, Nawaf Alaqidi
Defenders: Saud Abdulhamid, Jehad Thikri, Abdullah Alamri, Hassan Altambakti, Ali Lajami, Hassan Kadesh, Zakaria Hawsawi, Ali Majrashi, Mohammed Abu Alshamat, Nasser Aldawsari, Mohammed Kanno, Abdullah Alkhaibari, Moteb Alharbi, Nawaf Buwashl
Midfielders: Saleh Abu Alshamat, Sultan Mandash, Ala Alhejji, Musab Aljuwayr, Ziyad Aljohani, Aiman Yahya, Salem Al Dawsari
Forwards: Feras Al Buraikan, Saleh Alshehri, Abdullah Alhamddan, Abdullah Alsalem, Khalid Alghannam
Which group are Saudi Arabia in?
They are in group H.
When is their first game?
It’s on 16th June at 3:30 am IST against Uruguay.
Who is the head coach of Saudi Arabia?
Greek coach Georgios Donis.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.