Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup campaign has been a mixed one so far, beginning with a disciplined draw against Uruguay before a heavy defeat to Spain in their second Group H match.
Georgios Donis’ side impressed with their organisation and resilience in the opener, briefly threatening an upset against La Celeste, but they were unable to maintain that level against one of the tournament favourites in their following game. The contrasting results leave the Green Falcons still searching for consistency as they head into the decisive phase of the group.
Get all the latest Saudi Arabia stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the Asian side here.
Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026 fixtures
Saudi Arabia opened up their 2026 World Cup campaign against Uruguay on 15th June in a game that ended 1-1 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. They were then well beaten by Spain 4-0 on Sunday 21st June.
The Green Falcons close the group out against Cape Verde on 27th June, which could be a crucial match.
READ MORE: Get the latest Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026 stats
Saudi Arabia key players for World Cup 2026
Saudi Arabia top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Firas Al-Buraikan
- Key stat: Firas Al-Buraikan was Saudi Arabia’s top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Saudi Arabia weren’t the best of goalscorers in AFC World Cup qualifying. So it only took five goals for Firas Al-Buraikan to be their top scorer. But that shouldn’t take away from his threat. The 25-year-old is in a decent vein of form for Saudi Arabia, scoring six goals in his past 14 appearances for Saudi Arabia across all competitions. This includes two in the crucial qualifying game against Indonesia.
Saudi Arabia primary playmaker: Salem Al-Dawsari
- Key stat: Salem Al-Dawsari has averaged 2.02 chances created per 90 minutes in the Saudi Pro League.
Salem Al-Dawsari is the Saudi Arabia star. He will carry the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders. But it’s a burden he can bear. Al-Dawsari will be a goal threat, but he will also help provide chances. The 34-year-old has averaged 2.02 chances created per 90 minutes in the Saudi Pro League this season. He has also averaged 0.45 assists per 90, sitting in the top five in the league for that metric.
Saudi Arabia card magnets & top tacklers: Hassan Al-Tambakti
- Key stat: Hassan Al-Tambakti won 19 tackles in World Cup qualifying, more than any other Saudi Arabia player.
Hassan Al-Tambakti is a centre-back, but he’s got the tackle numbers of a full-back or defensive midfielder. The 27-year-old won 19 tackles in World Cup qualifying, which was more than any other Saudi Arabia player. Only one player made more tackles across AFC qualifying as a whole. And Al-Tambakti wasn’t a stranger to fouls either, committing 12 with three yellow cards.
Saudi Arabia rising star: Musab Al-Juwayr
There’s every chance that Musab Al-Juwayr could be a starter for Saudi Arabia at the World Cup. He finds himself on the periphery of the XI, often rotating with Nasser Al-Dawsari. But Al-Juwayr has a good record and is a threat in taking set-pieces. He will turn 23 during the World Cup group stage, but is expected to be one of the youngest players in the squad.
STAND-OUT STAT: Saudi Arabia gave away more fouls per 90 minutes than any other team at the 2022 World Cup with an average of 18.7 per game.
Saudi Arabia set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Firas Al-Buraikan
- Free kicks: Saleh Abu Al-Shamat
- Corners: Salem Al-Dawsari, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat
Saudi Arabia tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from last four matches):
- Corners: 6.75
- Shots on target: 2.5
- Shots on target conceded: 3.0
- Offsides: 1.5
There are a few setups we could see from Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, especially with two tough teams in their group. But a 4-3-3 has been their more favoured system in recent times. Abdullah Al-Khaibari sits at the base of the midfield in this system, with Mohamed Kanno and Nasser Al-Dawsari helping alongside him. The start man is Salem Al-Dawsari who can feature on either wing but has been more at home on the left. Nawaf Al-Aqidi has become Saudi Arabia’s undisputed No.1.
Get the latest Saudi Arabia World Cup goals, assists, shots, passes and tackle stats here
Saudi Arabia manager analysis
Georgios Donis is the manager of Saudi Arabia having replaced Herve Renard in April 2026 ahead of the World Cup. He has only taken charge of four matches so far – winning one, drawing two, and losing one – so it’s difficult to ascertain how his side will look long-term. However, such a small sample size does suggest they might be a little ill-prepared for a tournament of this magnitude.
Saudi Arabia World Cup FAQs
Have Saudi Arabia ever won the World Cup?
Saudi Arabia have never won the World Cup. Their best finish came in 1994 when they reached the last 16.
Where did Saudi Arabia finish in the last World Cup?
Saudi Arabia were knocked out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Who will be Saudi Arabia captain at the World Cup?
Salem Al-Dawsari was named captain for Saudi Arabia at the World Cup.
Who is Saudi Arabia’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Salem Al-Dawsari and Sami Al-Jaber have both scored three goals for Saudi Arabia at World Cups, more than any other player.
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