Since their debut at USA 1994, Saudi Arabia have established themselves as a consistent presence at the FIFA World Cup™, missing only two editions since. Now gearing up for their seventh appearance overall – and third in a row – The Green Falcons are fuelled by fresh ambitions for the expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
Though they have reached the knockout rounds only once, the nation is now an established presence at the global finals.
As they prepare for a return to North America, the same continent that witnessed their World Cup debut and proudest achievement three decades ago, they are determined to deliver another campaign that reflects the evolution of Saudi football and their passionate fanbase.
Saudi Arabia head coach: Herve Renard
Herve Renard has built a coaching legacy for himself far from Europe, making a significant impact in both Asia and Africa. The French tactican earned widespread acclaim after becoming the first coach in history to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, leading Zambia to the title in 2012 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2015, a feat that affirmed his standing as one of the most successful foreign coaches on the continent.
He is known for spurring his sides to play to their potential and for assembling competitive teams capable of surpassing expectations. After leading Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ – where they impressed in a tough group that included Portugal, Spain and IR Iran – Renard took charge of Saudi Arabia in 2019.
Under his leadership at Qatar 2022™, Saudi Arabia stunned the world by defeating eventual champions Argentina in one of the most remarkable upsets in World Cup history. Following a brief spell in charge of the French women’s national team, Renard returned to The Green Falcons dugout in 2024, warmly welcomed back by the passionate Saudi fanbase.
Renard is known for his highly organised approach, meticulous attention to tactical detail, consistent focus on control and possession on the pitch and strong mental and psychological preparation. His return to the Saudi team came midway through Asian qualifying. After Roberto Mancini was let go, Renard was brought back to restore balance to the squad and guide them to World Cup qualification for the second time under his stewardship.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 26 fixtures and group
Saudi Arabia will learn their group-stage opponents at the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26™, which is set to take place at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC at 12:00 local time (18:00 CET) on Friday, 5 December.
Full World Cup 26 match schedule
How Saudi Arabia qualified for World Cup 26
The Green Falcons endured a long road to secure their ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico. After finishing as runners-up in their second round group in AFC qualifying, they found themselves in a challenging third-round section featuring heavyweights Japan and Australia, who claimed the two direct qualification spots. Saudi Arabia pressed onward through the fourth round, vying for one of the two remaining berths.
They began with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Indonesia, then drew 0-0 with Iraq on 14 October – good enough to see them top the group on goal difference over Iraq and send them to the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup history
Saudi Arabia’s best World Cup
The Green Falcons made their first World Cup appearance in 1994, when the USA hosted the 15th edition of the tournament. Expectations were modest, but Jorge Solari’s side quickly proved themselves worthy competitors.
In their opening match on 20 June, Saudi Arabia went up against the Netherlands in Washington DC. They took an early lead with a powerful strike from Fuad Anwar in the 18th minute, seizing the initiative against one of Europe’s strongest sides, before Wim Jonk equalised early in the second half and Gaston Taument scored the winner for the Netherlands in the 86th minute. Despite the result, the Saudis earned widespread praise for their fearless performance.
Saudi Arabia did more than put on a respectable display in the second match – they turned it into a clear declaration that they would not be marginal figures. Against Morocco in New Jersey, Saudi Arabia delivered a confident performance, claiming a historic first victory and demonstrating their presence at the tournament was no fluke.
With that win, the Saudis recorded their first three World Cup points and reshaped the dynamics of Group F. Then came their encounter against Belgium, which proved to be a pivotal moment for the team, as spirited play propelled Saudi Arabia to another victory. The Green Falcons had earned a place in the Round of 16 – an extraordinary feat for an Asian debutant. They lost 3-1 to Sweden in the next round, but the 1994 campaign remains a defining chapter in Saudi football history.
Saudi Arabia’s last World Cup
When Saudi Arabia touched down in Doha for Qatar 2022, hopes rested on a team blending experience and youthful ambition under Renard. The Saudis were in their element, playing in a neighbouring country among fans who shared their language and culture.
Drawn into a tough group with Argentina, Poland and Mexico, they stunned the football world on opening day by delivering one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, coming from behind to defeat Argentina 2-1. The Saudis’ heroic performance, including unforgettable goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari, made the match at Lusail Stadium an instant classic.
The rest of the tournament, however, took a different course. Saudi Arabia lost their second match 2-0 to Poland in spite of solid play, missing a penalty that could have changed the game, before being defeated 2-1 by Mexico in a dramatic match that featured relentless pressure until the final whistle.
Saudi Arabia finished fourth in the group but left the tournament with their heads held high, having given their supporters a moment of timeless glory that outshone the final result.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup top scorer
Sami Al Jaber and Salem Al Dawsari share the title of all-time leading World Cup scorer for Saudi Arabia, with three goals each. Al Jaber scored in the 1994, 1998 and 2006 tournaments, becoming the first Saudi player to find the net in three different editions.
Al Dawsari netted at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, scoring against Argentina and Mexico. Trailing them is Fuad Anwar with two goals, scored in 1994 against the Netherlands and Morocco. The goal against the Netherlands made him the first Saudi player to score at the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s record World Cup appearance maker
Saudi Arabia’s most-capped World Cup player is Mohamed Al Deayea, who wore the green shirt in ten matches across the 1994, 1998, and 2002 tournaments. Renowned for his composure and lightning reflexes, Al Deayea was the last line of defence during the 1994 run to the Round of 16, and he remained a cornerstone in the following two editions.
Another symbol of continuity in Saudi football is Sami Al Jaber, who participated in four consecutive World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), bringing his scoring, experience and leadership to nine matches in those tournaments. Hussein Abdulghani also shares that nine-match figure, having started his World Cup journey at France 1998 before also featuring prominently in 2002 and 2006.
Saudi Arabia’s memorable World Cup moments
For Saudi fans, USA 1994 was more than just a debut – it was the birth of a footballing identity. Fuad Anwar’s goal against the Netherlands opened the door for an entire nation to dream and announced Saudi Arabia as Middle Eastern contenders capable of unsettling Europe’s elite.
Then came the victory over Morocco, giving Saudi Arabia their first taste of the nationwide jubilation that comes with World Cup success. Sami Al Jaber’s penalty lit the match, and Anwar’s decisive strike fanned it into a blaze that burned away all doubts.
As for Saeed Al Owairan’s goal against Belgium, it was a moment that transcended Saudi sport. He made a 70-yard dash, confidently and resolutely weaving past five defenders as he covered two-thirds of the pitch, before slotting home an immortal masterpiece. It was Saudi Arabia’s World Cup journey in a single goal: audacity, flair and faith in the impossible.
For nearly three decades, those memories were passed down from generation to generation. Then Qatar 2022 brought a modern echo of that spirit. The Green Falcons stood against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at Lusail Stadium, overcoming a deficit to claim an astonishing victory.
The equaliser came when Saleh Al Shehri received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, executed a beautiful dribble as he charged into the box, and released a low shot into the far corner of Emiliano Martínez’s goal.
Minutes later, Salem Al Dawsari fired off one of the most beautiful shots of the tournament, spinning quickly past defenders and unleashing a curling strike into the top corner to clinch an indelible victory against the team that would go on to lift the trophy.
