The final champion three years ago; the world’s number one national team next time.
But Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia, filled with in-demand Roshn’s Saudi League stars, won’t be worried about anyone heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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As proven last time, they can be anyone’s match.
“This is the World Cup; I would say we’re always in a difficult group,” the Green Falcons coach said after Friday’s draw in Washington, D.C., which placed Saudi Arabia in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and debutant Cape Verde.
“Four years ago it was Argentina, Mexico. Today it is Spain, the number one team in the FIFA rankings, so we are arguably the best team in the world. And Uruguay, a very strong team with a very good coach in Marcelo Bielsa.
“And Cape Verde: they want to show the world when they compete for the first time [that] They can do a great job. So, this is World Cup level. “
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Indeed. Returning to Saudi Arabia for his second spell, Renard recognized the changes the national team had undergone. There’s a lot of new blood coming in, including some exciting RSL talent.
For example, Al Qadesi playmaker Mousab Al Jewell is the top flight’s reigning Young Player of the Year, while club teammate Jihad Tikri has been learning from defensive partner and Real Madrid great Nacho for more than a season.
Others include the rapidly developing Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, one of Ahli’s emerging forwards who has already flourished in Saudi Arabia, while full-back Nawaf Bouchar has thrived at top-of-the-table Al Nasr side.
Also at their respective clubs, defender Waleed Al Ahmed plays for ambitious Al Taawoun, while midfielder Murad Al Hawsawi is a surprise for Al Khaleej.
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The draw took place in the US capital on Friday night, thousands of miles away in Qatar, as Leonard’s side beat Comoros 3-1 in the FIFA Arab Cup group stage to seal a knockout spot.
Salem Al Dawsari, the current Asian Player of the Year, was named Man of the Match with a brilliant individual goal. Midfielder Mohammed Kanno got the other two. Al Hilal Band are two of the bands handpicked to bridge the gap between the 2022 World Cup and next summer’s exhibition matches.
“We have a different team now; only four last-generation players,” Renard said. “So, some of them will be playing in the World Cup for the first time.
“They need experience but it’s a great opportunity and a tough game against Spain.”
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Nearly three years ago today, Saudi Arabia kicked off its sixth FIFA World Cup in Qatar with one of the greatest results in the history of the global final.
They then came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 with the help of Saleh Al-Shehri and Al-Dawsari. It was the only game the eventual champions lost as they bounced back to win their third World Cup title.
Asked whether Saudi Arabia could do the same thing against title challengers Spain next year, Renard joked: “If they all agree, [that] We can beat them, they can become world champions and we sign immediately. “
However, this does not mean that the French will only settle for this.
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“We come to the World Cup to do something and when we can do something great, it’s even better,” he said. “Last time we beat Argentina but we didn’t get to the second round.
“So, the first step was very good, but not enough was achieved. We have to get into [the tournament in] The United States, Mexico and Canada aim to advance to the next round. “
