Saudi Arabia

Profile

Authors of arguably the greatest single World Cup upset in modern history — beating eventual champions Argentina in their 2022 group-stage opener with an astonishing comeback from 1-0 down — the Green Falcons came through the Asian play-offs to extend their World Cup participation. Under Hervé Renard, the French coach who has made a career of guiding African and Asian nations to stunning results, Saudi Arabia have developed a well-organised, high-pressing system that uses pace effectively in transition. The Saudi Pro League has been transformed by the arrival of global superstars and several national team players have benefited from training alongside and against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. Salem Al-Dawsari was the hero of the Argentina shock. Group H contains Spain and Uruguay — genuinely elite opposition — but Saudi Arabia have already proven they can beat anyone on their day. Against Cape Verde, anything less than maximum points is expected.

Saudi Arabia fixtures

Players to watch

• Salem Al-Dawsari

  Forward · Al Hilal

  The man who scored the winner against Argentina in 2022's most stunning result, Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia's most dangerous attacker. His pace, dribbling and timing of his runs make him difficult to track, and his composure in scoring the goal that changed world football's perspective on Asian teams makes him one of the competition's memorable figures.

• Firas Al-Buraikan

  Forward · Al Ahli

  A dynamic young forward who has developed into one of the Saudi Pro League's most consistent scorers, Al-Buraikan brings pace, movement and an eye for goal that make him a constant threat. His ability to play on the last shoulder of defenders and convert half chances gives Saudi Arabia a potent second striking option beyond Al-Dawsari.

• Mohammed Kanno

  Midfielder · Al Hilal

  The engine of Saudi Arabia's midfield, Kanno combines defensive discipline with the technical quality to build attacks from deep. His work rate, reading of the game and passing under pressure make him the key man in Renard's pressing system, allowing Saudi Arabia to operate with intensity and organisation against European and South American opposition.

Group H table