Saudi Arabia shocked the football universe in 2022 when they opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Argentina.
The Arabian Falcons had only ever won three World Cup matches previously, winning twice as they reached the 1994 round of 16, while beating Egypt 2-1 in the final group match of 2018 when both sides were already eliminated.
Lionel Messi put Argentina 1-0 up from the spot after just 10 minutes in Lusail, before a ridiculous start to the second half saw quick goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari hand Saudi Arabia the unlikeliest of wins.
It’s crazy to think that Argentina would go on to win that World Cup. But what happened next to the Saudi heroes?
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Mohammed Al-Owais
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Age: 34
While he didn’t score a goal, Mohammed Al-Owais was arguably the biggest hero of this match, making five saves to keep out an Argentine onslaught. The goalkeeper continued to enjoy success at club level with Al-Hilal until joining Al-Ula in the Saudi second tier last summer, but he hasn’t been capped for his country since 2024.
Saud Abdulhamid
- Position: Right-back
- Age: 26
Saud Abdulhamid gave away the penalty that allowed Messi to give Argentina the lead. But he recovered well to put in a strong performance thereafter. His club career has taken an upward turn too, playing for the likes of Roma and Lens over the last 18 months.
Hassan Al-Tambakti
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 26
Now 26 and far more experienced, Hassan Al Tambakti continues to anchor the Saudi Arabia defence, while he moved to Al Hilal from Al Shabab in 2023.
Ali Al-Bulayhi
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 36
Ten years Al-Tambakti’s senior, Ali Al-Bulayhi is also still a key part of the Saudi backline, picking up seven caps in the latest qualification cycle alone to reach 57 caps overall. Al-Bulayhi also partners Al Tambakti with Al-Hilal at club level.
Yasir Al-Shahrani
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 33
Yasir Al-Shahrani put everything on the line against Argentina, limping off injured late on after making three tackles, six clearances and six interceptions. Although not a key player anymore, he still features regularly for Saudi Arabia, and left Al Hilal to join Al Qadsiah last summer.
Salman Al-Faraj
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 36
Salman Al-Faraj also came off injured against Argentina, but he only lasted the first half, so missed out on the second-half madness. The veteran midfielder hasn’t been capped by Saudi Arabia since 2023, and at 36 years old, he joined Neom SC in the summer.
Abdulelah Al-Malki
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 31
Abdulelah Al-Malki is still playing a squad role with Saudi Arabia to this day. However, his days with the national team may be numbered after joining second-tier side Al-Diraiya recently. He did have an extensive career in the Pro League with Al Hilal, Al-Ettifaq and Al Ittihad.
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Mohamed Kanno
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 31
Mohamed Kanno was a rare source of calm in possession for Saudi Arabia in this match, completing 29 passes and two of his three dribbles. He remains with Al Hilal and is set to man the midfield for Saudi Arabia again this summer.
Firas Al-Buraikan
- Position: Right-winger
- Age: 25
Firas Al-Buraikan helped kick-start this comeback with the assist for the first goal, doing so with one of just eight passes completed. He now plays alongside the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Edouard Mendy at Al Ahli, while he’s scored nine goals in his last 29 caps for Saudi Arabia.
Saleh Al-Shehri
- Position: Striker
- Age: 32
Saleh Al-Shehri was the man Al-Buraikan set up to pull Saudi Arabia level. The 32-year-old has endured a lean year with Al Ittihad, but remains in the Saudi set-up as the World Cup approaches.
Salem Al-Dawsari
- Position: Left-winger
- Age: 34
No matter what else happens in his life, Salem Al-Dawsari will be the scorer of the most famous goal in Saudi Arabian history, netting the winner against Argentina. Now 34, he’s still a regular source of goals for Al Hilal, while he registered three direct goal involvements to help his nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Nawaf Al-Abed
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Age: 35
Nawaf Al-Abed replaced Al-Faraj at half-time but only lasted until the 89th minute himself. The 35-year-old picked up just one more cap for Saudi Arabia in their next game against Poland, while he’s now a free agent after leaving Al Riyadh last summer.
Sultan Al-Ghannam
- Position: Right-back
- Age: 31
Sultan Al-Ghannam came on late to try and see the game out, but failed to find success with is one pass, dribble, cross and long ball attempts. He did make one clearance, however, and remains around the national team set-up, while still playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr at club level.
Abdulelah Al-Amri
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 29
Another late defensive introduction, Abdulelah Al-Amri plays alongside Al-Ghannam at Al-Nassr and has picked up 38 caps for Saudi Arabia to date.
Haitham Asiri
- Position: Right-back
- Age: 24
A promising youngster at the time, Haitham Asiri played the final few minutes of this match, but he’s without a national team cap since 2023 and has struggled to make an impact with Al-Qadsiah.
Mohammed Al-Burayk
- Position: Right-back
- Age: 33
Mohammed Al-Burayk made a few vital clearances at the end of this famous win, but started to fall out of the national team a year later. The veteran now plays for Neom SC, and hasn’t been capped since 2024.
