The Saudi national team recently departed for Melbourne, Australia, for their upcoming matches without key midfielders Salem Al-Dawsari and AbduleIlah Al-Malki, who were excluded due to injuries sustained in a match between Al Hilal and Al Ettifaq. Captain Al-Dawsari suffered an ankle injury, leading to his replacement by Mohammad Al-Qahtani. The team is gearing up for the fifth and sixth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, facing Australia and Indonesia in their upcoming matches.
This squad sees the return of Salman Al-Faraj, the captain, who had been absent from the national team in recent months. French coach Hervé Renard has included 27 players in the squad, reintroducing some familiar faces from his previous tenure with the team before his departure in March 2023. The team features four goalkeepers, returning defenders, and new faces in the midfield and attack, such as Ali Al-Bulaihi, Mohammed Kanoo, and Yasser Al-Shahrani.
Renard has made significant changes to the squad compared to the previous list under former coach Roberto Mancini, with 13 players being dropped from the team. The team is in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia, with their upcoming matches being crucial in their quest for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The exclusion of Al-Dawsari and Al-Malki may prove challenging for the team, but Renard will be looking to the rest of the squad to step up and deliver in their absence.
The Saudi team’s delegation departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, embarking on their journey to face Australia on November 14 at the Rectangular Stadium, followed by a match against Indonesia on November 19 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The matches will test the team’s capabilities and provide an opportunity for the newly formed squad to showcase their talents and potential as they aim for success in the qualifiers.
The absence of Al-Dawsari and Al-Malki will undoubtedly be felt by the team, as they are key players in the midfield. However, this presents an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their abilities on the international stage. With the return of Al-Faraj and the inclusion of new faces in the squad, Renard will be looking to build a cohesive team that can compete at the highest level and secure vital wins in the upcoming matches.
Overall, the Saudi national team’s journey to Australia marks a significant moment in their quest for World Cup qualification. With key players missing due to injuries, the team will need to rely on the depth of their squad and the talent of their players to overcome the challenges they face. Renard’s strategic decisions in selecting the squad will be put to the test in the upcoming matches, as the team aims to secure crucial victories and continue on their path towards the 2026 World Cup.
