Renard Unveils Green Falcons' 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Squad
Saudi Arabia's national team coach Herve Renard announced on Wednesday a 27-player squad for pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan. The Green Falcons aim to solidify their Group 3 standing ahead of March's clashes.
The Green Falcons host China at Riyadh's Al-Awwal Park Stadium on 20 March. Five days later, they will face Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002. Both matches could determine their path to the expanded 48-team World Cup. Squad Breakdown: Experience Meets Youth
Renard's roster blends seasoned stars like Salem Al-Dawsari with rising talents such as midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi returns after strong club performances, while striker Firas Al-Buraikan leads the attack.
The Green Falcons currently rank second in Group 3, trailing Japan. Six Asian teams will secure direct World Cup slots, raising Saudi Arabia's hopes. Victories against China and Japan could propel them closer to qualification.
The squad begins training in Riyadh on March 16. Renard emphasized defensive discipline and rapid counterattacks during drills. He stated, 'Our unity and focus will drive success in these high-stakes games.'
Supporters eagerly await the China match, with tickets selling rapidly. Social media buzz highlights confidence in Renard's leadership. A win could mark Saudi Arabia's fourth consecutive victory in qualifiers.
⚪🟢 | إليكم خيارات مدربنا @Herve_Renard_HR لقائمة المنتخب الوطني لمواجهتي الصين 🇨🇳 واليابان 🇯🇵 ضمن التصفيات النهائية المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 . pic.twitter.com/r3gIMuAUyB
— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) March 12, 2025 Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Al-Kassar, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Hamed Yousef, Mishari Sinior
Defenders: Hassan Kadesh, Jihad Zekri, Saad Al-Moussa, Ali Lajami, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Saud Abdulhamid, Nawaf Bushal, Ali Majrashi, Nasser Al-Dawsari
Midfielders: Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Musab Al-Juwayr, Ziad Al-Johani, Mohammed Kano, Salem Al-Dawsari, Turki Al-Ammar, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Ayman Yahya, Muhannad Al-Saad, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Marwan Al-Sahafi
Strikers: Firas Al-Buraikan, Abdullah Al-Salem
Saudi Arabia last reached the World Cup in 2022, stunning Argentina in a historic group-stage win. With Renard's strategy and home support, fans dream of another global showcase.
Short link :
Post Views: 30
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
‘I take full responsibility': Renard disappointed after Saudi exit from CONCACAF Gold Cup
JEDDAH: Saudi coach Herve Renard expressed his disappointment and accepted the blame after his team's 2-0 loss to Mexico, which saw them exit the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the quarterfinals. 'We did not perform at the (right) level, and the Mexican team deserved to win,' Renard said during the press conference following the match held in Arizona on Sunday morning. 'Sometimes the coach makes wrong decisions, and that's part of football. I take full responsibility for today's loss.' He added: 'We have to work on developing the offensive side of the national team, and we have benefited from our interactions with other teams during the tournament. 'We were lucky that Mexico did not play at 100 percent. I asked the players to put pressure on their defense, but we did not do it well and kept the ball.' The French coach said that his time with the players was fruitful in terms of gaining experience, but admitted that the team failed to perform at its best during the crucial match. Focus will now shift to preparing well for the World Cup playoffs, Renard said.
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia exit Gold Cup after quarterfinal defeat to Mexico
Saudi Gazette report WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia's historic run at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup came to an end in the quarterfinals following a 2-0 loss to Mexico on Saturday evening. Participating as a special invitee, the Green Falcons advanced from the group stage but were unable to progress further after a tough contest marked by heavy physical play and controversial officiating. The match, played in the United States, saw Mexican players commit repeated hard fouls, with referee Lukasz Szpala opting not to show yellow or red cards despite several intense challenges. The absence of VAR intervention further fueled frustration on the Saudi bench. After a goalless first half, Alexis Vega broke the deadlock in the 49th doubled their lead through an own goal by Saudi defender Abdullah Madu in the 81st minute, sealing the the victory, Mexico booked a semifinal clash against Honduras, who advanced after defeating Panama 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Saudi Gazette
5 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Cristiano Ronaldo says the past is over and this season will be Al Nassr's
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he is living an 'ideal life' in Saudi Arabia, crediting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the country's sweeping transformation. In an extended interview with Al Nassr's official YouTube channel, the global icon reaffirmed his long-term commitment to both his club and the Kingdom, saying: 'I may be Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia.' The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr through 2027, emphasized that his mission goes beyond the pitch. 'From my first day here, I knew I had a responsibility to bring change not only to Al Nassr but to Saudi football as a whole,' Ronaldo said. 'That's why I renewed for two more years. I believe I will become champion here.' Ronaldo did not shy away from acknowledging the club's disappointing campaign last season, despite finishing third in the Saudi Pro League. 'We're not happy with what happened last season and that's normal when you have ambitions to win,' he said. 'We know that what we did wasn't enough. But that's in the past now. We must focus on the present, and the present is good. We'll change many things.' 'I believe in our project. I believe in Al Nassr. I believe in our fans. The past is the past let's be positive and think that this season will be our best yet,' he added. 'With our fans, we'll be stronger. We must believe in ourselves.' Ronaldo, 40, who led the Roshn Saudi League in goals for a second consecutive season, explained his decision to turn down offers to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. 'It didn't make sense. I wanted a proper rest and preparation because next season ends with the World Cup,' he said. 'I want to be ready not just for Al Nassr, but for Portugal.' He also doubled down on his belief in the Saudi Pro League's global standing: 'I still believe the SPL is one of the top five leagues in the world. It's highly competitive, and those who don't know that simply haven't played here.' Ronaldo stressed that his vision aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term ambitions, especially with the Kingdom set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. 'I believe that will be the most beautiful World Cup in history. That's why I want to stay, not only for the next two years but to contribute to something much bigger.' His bond with Al Nassr's fans was another key reason behind his decision to stay. 'The supporters are amazing their love means everything. I'm not just here as a footballer; I'm here to be part of the country's transformation,' Ronaldo said. 'I want to keep entertaining them and win big titles for this club. Not just the Arab Club Champions Cup, I believe more are coming.'
