Saudi national team coach Herve Renard unveiled the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Saudi Arabia’s national team coach Herve Renard announced on Wednesday a 27-player squad for pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan. The Green Falcons aim to solidify their Group 3 standing ahead of March’s clashes.
The Green Falcons host China at Riyadh’s Al-Awwal Park Stadium on 20 March. Five days later, they will face Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002. Both matches could determine their path to the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Squad Breakdown: Experience Meets Youth
Renard’s roster blends seasoned stars like Salem Al-Dawsari with rising talents such as midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi returns after strong club performances, while striker Firas Al-Buraikan leads the attack.
The Green Falcons currently rank second in Group 3, trailing Japan. Six Asian teams will secure direct World Cup slots, raising Saudi Arabia’s hopes. Victories against China and Japan could propel them closer to qualification.
The squad begins training in Riyadh on March 16. Renard emphasized defensive discipline and rapid counterattacks during drills. He stated, “Our unity and focus will drive success in these high-stakes games.”
Supporters eagerly await the China match, with tickets selling rapidly. Social media buzz highlights confidence in Renard’s leadership. A win could mark Saudi Arabia’s fourth consecutive victory in qualifiers.
⚪🟢 | إليكم خيارات مدربنا @Herve_Renard_HR لقائمة المنتخب الوطني لمواجهتي الصين 🇨🇳 واليابان 🇯🇵 ضمن التصفيات النهائية المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 . pic.twitter.com/r3gIMuAUyB
— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) March 12, 2025
Full Squad List:
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
Saudi Arabia last reached the World Cup in 2022, stunning Argentina in a historic group-stage win. With Renard’s strategy and home support, fans dream of another global showcase.
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