Al Dawsari headlines preliminary Saudi squad
Recently appointed Green Falcons coach Georgios Donis opts for experienced, largely domestic-based, players in a 30-strong preliminary FIFA World Cup squad.
Recently appointed head coach Georgios Donis has announced a preliminary 30-strong Green Falcons squad for next month's FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The selection is headlined by captain and chief creative force Salem Al Dawsari, along with France-based defender Saud Abdulhamid and a quintet of players from recently crowned AFC Champions League winners Al Ahli.
Musab Al Juwayr, who will turn 23 during the tournament, is the youngest player named in a selection that is primarily drawn from the ranks of the Saudi Pro League.
The Green Falcons will conduct a pair of USA-based training camps, in New York and Texas, where they will fine-tune preparations with matches against Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Senegal.
Ahmed Al Kassar Mohammed Al Owais Nawaf Al Aqidi Abdulqudus Attia
Saud Abdulhamid Mohammed Abu Al Shamat Khalid Al Ghannam Moteb Al Harbi Abdulelah Al Amri Nawaf Boushal Zakaria Hawsawi Hassan Kadesh Ali Lajami Ali Majrashi Hassan Tambakti Jehad Thikri
Nasser Al Dawsari Alaa Al Hajji Ziyad Al Johani Musab Al Juwayr Abdullah Al Khaibari Saleh Abu Al Shamat Mohammed Kanno Sultan Mandash Ayman Yahya
Feras Al Brikan Salem Al Dawsari Abdullah Al Hamdan Abdullah Al Salem Saleh Al Shehri
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
Appointed a month to the day before the squad announcement, the 56-year-old, who has vast experience in Saudi football, said instilling confidence in the group is one of his main priorities in the coming weeks.
"The current squad includes many players who have played a lot of minutes with their clubs this season. I believe all the players have the ability and passion required to commit to our plan, which will enable us step-by-step to build a strong and united team.
"I believe in their abilities, so my priority now is for them to believe in their abilities, to be convinced of the plan, and to know what is required of them. We cannot promise miracles, but we promise you that we will give our all to achieve our goals."
"The advantage for us is that I have spent many years in Saudi Arabia and I know the culture of the country and the players. Therefore, we want to be very competitive and fight hard.”
15 June: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay - Miami Stadium
21 June: Spain v Saudi Arabia - Atlanta Stadium
26 June: Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia - Houston Stadium