Saudi Arabia Kick Off Preparatory Camp for 2026 WC Qualifiers Against Japan and Bahrain
Saudi Arabia’s national team has initiated their preparatory camp on Sunday as they gear up for crucial encounters against Japan and Bahrain in the Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Green Falcons are primed to face Japan in the third round of qualifiers on Thursday, followed by a match against Bahrain in the fourth round at King Abdullah Sports City, just five days later.
Group C Ranking
Currently occupying the second spot in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia’s national team trails group leaders Japan by a mere two points, amassing a total of four points so far.
Starting their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Indonesia, Saudi Arabia clinched a pivotal 2-1 victory over China in the second round.
On the other hand, Japan displayed dominance in their early matches, routing China 7-0 in the group stage opener and subsequently overpowering Bahrain 5-0 in the subsequent round.
Who is on and who is out?
Italian coach Roberto Mancini has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, featuring key players such as Roma’s Saud Abdulhamid, Beerschot’s Faisal Al-Ghamdi, and Marwan Al-Sahafi.
Mancini’s squad selection for the World Cup qualifiers raised eyebrows, with Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais sidelined due to injury, and forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan omitted for tactical considerations.
However, the most notable exclusion was that of Al Hilal duo, defender Ali Al-Bulaihi and midfielder Mohammed Kanoo, both of whom are in fine form and have been delivering stellar performances this season.
Their absence has sparked significant debate on social media platforms.
Saudi Squad List
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Al-Kassar, Mohammed Al-Yami, Raghd Najjar, Hamed Youssef
Defenders: Hassan Kadish, Mishal Khairallah, Awn Al-Salouli, Ali Lajami, Hassan Tambakti, Rayan Hamed, Saud Abdulhamid, Sultan Al-Ghannam
Midfielders: Ali Al-Asimari, Hamed Al-Ghamdi, Musab Al-Juwair, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Abdulilah Al-Malki, Hussein Al-Subiani, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Ayman Yahya, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Mohammed Maran, Salem Al-Dawsari, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Nasser Al-Dawsari
Forwards: Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, Abdullah Radif