RIYADH, JUN 6: Saudi Arabia’s victory over Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains one of the defining moments in the nation’s sporting history. Four years on, the Green Falcons return to football’s biggest stage carrying fresh ambitions and a squad that blends established leaders with players entering their prime.
New coach Georgios Donis has called on plenty of familiar faces for Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup campaign, as the national team aims to reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time since its debut in 1994.
Here, Al Arabiya English explores the players who are expected to emerge as the Green Falcons’ leading lights in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Salem al-Dawsari (Al Hilal)
If Saudi Arabia is to create another World Cup occasion to rival its famous victory over Argentina in 2022, Salem al-Dawsari is the player most likely to deliver it… again. It was al-Dawsari who scored the Green Falcons’ memorable match-winning goal against Lionel Messi and Co in Qatar, and the Al Hilal winger is still the face of Saudi football and arguably the most accomplished player in the nation’s history. The 2026 tournament will be his third FIFA World Cup appearance.
Al-Dawsari enjoyed another excellent season with Al Hilal – providing 18 goal contributions in 26 Saudi Pro League matches and continuing to stand out in a side packed with international stars. Now 34, the two-time AFC Asian Player of the Year combines experience with an enduring ability to turn matches. Whether Saudi Arabia needs a goal, a moment of inspiration or simply someone to steady things during difficult periods, al-Dawsari is the man the team turns to.
Saud Abdulhamid (Lille)
No Saudi player arrives at the World Cup with greater experience of European football than Saud Abdulhamid. The defender is the only overseas-based player in the Green Falcons squad and has continued to enhance his reputation during a fruitful season with French side Lens. After initially struggling for game time, Abdulhamid cemented his spot in the Lens XI, helping the club win the Coupe de France for the first time in its history and finish second in Ligue 1 – qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
Abdulhamid, who was on loan from Roma for the 2025-26 season, possesses the pace and athleticism required to make a difference at both ends of the pitch. His willingness to attack from full-back has made him a key figure for club and country, while playing in Europe has exposed him to the intensity and tactical demands of elite competition. The 26-year-old was also part of the team that shocked Argentina in 2022 and understands exactly what it takes to compete against football’s traditional powers.
Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal)
Every successful international team needs balance, and Mohammed Kanno provides much of it for Saudi Arabia. While others attract headlines for their attacking flair, the Al Hilal midfielder brings control to the center of the pitch. Kanno remains one of the most trusted figures in the national-team setup and has been a regular presence throughout Saudi Arabia’s qualification campaign. His experience, positional discipline and ability to break up opposition attacks allow the team’s more creative players to operate with greater freedom.
Firas al-Buraikan (Al Ahli)
Things haven’t always clicked for Firas al-Buraikan at international level in recent years but the Al Ahli striker certainly has the talent and natural finishing ability to make an impact at the World Cup. Although the 26-year-old forward has been behind Ivan Toney in the pecking order at Al Ahli this season, al-Buraikan has still managed to contribute some decisive goal – most notably the dramatic, match-winning strike in the AFC Champions League final as Ahli defended its continental crown. Of the Green Falcons World Cup squad, only al-Dawsari and Saleh al-Shehri have scored more than al-Buraikan’s 15 international strikes; he is likely to lead Saudi Arabia’s forward line and will be hoping to add a first World Cup goal to that list in North America.
Musab al-Juwayr (Al Qadsiah)
Every World Cup introduces new names to a global audience, and Musab al-Juwayr has the potential to be Saudi Arabia’s breakout star at the 2026 tournament. At 22, he is the youngest player in the Green Falcons squad but has already played more than 30 times for his country – establishing himself as a regular starter under successive coaches. Comfortable in possession and capable of progressing the ball through midfield, al-Juwayr offers a different dimension to the team and he travels to North America on the back of a superb season with Al Qadsiah. By the time the FIFA World Cup is hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2034, al-Juwayr will be in his prime, but the 2026 tournament could be a first major opportunity to announce himself to the wider football world.
