Renard Unveils Green Falcons' 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Squad
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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Al Arabiya
15 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
How can Saudi Arabia qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
With the final day of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League and King's Cup final bringing down the curtain on the Kingdom's domestic football last week, attention now turns to international football and Saudi Arabia's hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Green Falcons have endured a tumultuous qualification campaign for the tournament so far but despite many ups and downs, are still in with a good chance of making it to the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. Saudi Arabia began World Cup qualifying with Roberto Mancini as coach but parted company with the Italian last October. Since then, Herve Renard – mastermind of the team's iconic 2022 victory over Argentina in Qatar – has returned to the hotseat, aiming to take Saudi Arabia back to the FIFA World Cup. Heading into the final two games of the Third Round of qualifying, three potential pathways still exist for the Green Falcons to make it to the finals. Here, Al Arabiya English explores how Saudi Arabia can qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 1) Finish second in Group C Only two teams in Asia have already guaranteed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – Iran and runaway Group C winner Japan. But second place in Group C, and the automatic place in the USA, Canada and Mexico that it brings, is still very much up for grabs. There are three teams currently in the hunt and it will be one of Australia, Saudi Arabia or Indonesia that joins Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For more Saudi sports news, visit our dedicated page. Australia is in pole position heading into the final two group games, currently sitting on 13 points – three ahead of Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia a further point back. In the previous two qualifiers back in March, the Green Falcons claimed a vital 1-0 home win against China before securing a creditable 0-0 draw away to Japan in Saitama. The math is now simple for Saudi Arabia: win its next two games, and the Green Falcons can qualify in second place. The first of those matches is on Thursday against neighbor Bahrain, which has punched above its weight so far in qualifying in its pursuit of a first ever World Cup appearance. Bahrain held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in Jeddah last October and more recently beat the Green Falcons 3-2 last December on its way to winning the 2024 Arabian Gulf Cup. While Saudi Arabia visits Bahrain, Australia will host already qualified Japan. Despite having already booked its spot at the World Cup, the Blue Samurai put a strong team out against Saudi Arabia back in March; Renard and his players will be hoping Japan do the same against the Socceroos – as a draw or loss for Australia will open the door. Should that happen, it is then set up for a blockbuster finish on June 10, when Saudi Arabia hosts Australia at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. 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Arab News
2 days ago
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