Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WILL SAUDI ARABIA QUALIFY AGAIN?
Saudi Arabia surprised the world at Qatar 2022 by defeating Argentina in their opening match, but failed to advance to the round of 16. Now, the desert nation wants to prove that victory was no fluke. With an ambitious project, a league full of international stars, and a new coach with European experience, the Saudi national team is looking to repeat its qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In this article, we review their realistic chances, their strengths and weaknesses, and the most interesting facts from their World Cup history.
A team with history and ambition
Saudi Arabia is one of the historical powers of Asian football. It has participated in six World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022), and its best performance was in the USA in 1994, when it reached the round of 16 with that memorable goal by Saeed Al-Owairan, considered one of the best in World Cup history. Since then, the national team has fluctuated between brilliance and inconsistency, but its consistent presence demonstrates a stable and ambitious project. A league that fuels the dream. One of the major drivers behind Saudi Arabia's growth is its domestic league, the Saudi Pro League. In recent years, it has attracted world-class figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, and Kanté, raising the internal competitive level and international exposure of Saudi football. Although many of these signings are foreign, their influence on local players is enormous: Saudis share a locker room with European champions, learn professionalism, and understand the pace of global football. World Cup qualifications: 6. Best result: Round of 16 (USA 1994). Win percentage in knockout rounds: 62%. Average goals per game in Asia: 1.8. Thanks to this structure, Saudi Arabia relies not only on individual talent but also on a solid infrastructure and a long-term vision supported by the Saudi Federation and the government. The goal is not just to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but to become a regular contender in the elite of Asian and global football.
The Impact of the 2022 World Cup
The 2022 Qatar World Cup was a turning point. Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating defending champions Argentina 2-1. Although they were unable to advance beyond the group stage, that result changed the perception of Saudi football forever. Since then, the team's mentality has evolved: they are no longer content with simply participating; they want to truly compete.
The Asian Road to 2026
With the 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, Asia (AFC) will have 8 direct berths and one additional playoff spot. This means Saudi Arabia has a better chance of qualifying than ever before, but the competition will also be more intense. Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia remain strong contenders, while emerging teams like Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are looking for their chance.
The Asian Qualifying Format
The AFC has designed a three-stage format: a preliminary round, a second group stage, and a third round with 18 teams divided into three groups of six. The top two teams from each group qualify directly, while the third and fourth-placed teams play a final mini-tournament for the remaining two spots and an intercontinental playoff place. Saudi Arabia, based on its FIFA ranking and recent performances, usually starts in the second round. Direct slots for Asia: 8. Qualifying begins: 2023. Expected completion: 2025. Average points needed: 18–20 in the third round. Saudi Arabia has started its journey to 2026 well. In the second round, it has shown defensive solidity and tactical discipline, characteristics that have made it one of the most difficult teams to beat in Asia. With a generation of experienced footballers and promising young talents, their qualification seems more a matter of time than luck. Rivals to watch out for: In Asia, the competition is becoming increasingly even. Japan and South Korea are the main contenders for regional leadership, while Iran and Australia maintain a high level. Saudi Arabia will have to fight for qualification against these giants, but also against teams that have grown considerably in recent years, such as Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Qatar.
Japan: technical powerhouse, with players in the top European leagues.
South Korea: tactically sound, with Son Heung-min as a world-class player.
Iran: experience and physical strength.
Qatar: 2019 Asian champions, with a stable core.
Saudi Arabia's secret will be consistency. If they can maintain consistency at home and pick up points away, their path to the World Cup will be virtually guaranteed. Furthermore, the fact that Asian tournaments are played in similar climatic and cultural conditions gives them a certain advantage over other teams.
Strengths, weaknesses, and predictions
The Saudi national team combines youth, discipline, and an increasingly competitive mentality. Their football, based on speed on the wings and defensive solidity, has evolved into a more technical and modern style. But success in Asia doesn't depend solely on individual quality: team cohesion and a winning mentality are equally important.
Strengths Driving Qualification
Tactical Stability: Saudi Arabia maintains a 4-2-3-1 formation that prioritizes defensive organization and quick transitions.
Up-and-coming Players: Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno, and Al-Buraikan are key pieces of the Saudi attack.
- YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
