Saudi Arabia Announce 27-Man Squad Ahead of Arab Cup in Qatar

Saudi Arabia Announce 27-Man Squad Ahead of Arab Cup in Qatar

The Saudi Arabia squad announced for the Arab Cup camp shows Renard’s focus on tactical continuity.
Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard has named a 27-man squad for the national team’s preparatory training camp in Jeddah, scheduled from November 9 to 18, as part of their build-up for the Arab Cup, which will be held in Qatar from December 1 to 18.

The squad features a blend of core senior players and emerging talents, with Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Hassan Tambakti, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Firas Al-Buraikan among the most notable inclusions.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, Renard made several enforced adjustments due to injuries. Waleed Al-Ahmed has been called up to replace Saad Al-Mousa, who suffered an ankle fracture, while Sultan Mandash comes in for Ayman Yahya, who is dealing with a muscle injury. Midfielder Murad Hawsawi has also been drafted in at the expense of Ali Al-Hassan for tactical reasons.This Saudi Arabia squad for the Arab Cup represents a balanced mix of youth and experience.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:
Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, Mohammed Al-Yami, Raghad Najjar

Defenders:
Muteb Al-Harbi, Jihad Zekri, Abdullah Al-Omari, Waleed Al-Ahmed, Hassan Tambakti, Ali Majrashi, Saud Abdulhamid, Nawaf Boushal, Mohammed Sulaiman

Midfielders:
Nasser Al-Dawsari, Murad Hawsawi, Ziyad Al-Johani, Mohammed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Salem Al-Dawsari, Musab Al-Juwair, Sultan Mandash

Forwards:
Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas Al-Buraikan

Two Key Friendlies Scheduled

During the Jeddah camp, Saudi Arabia will play two high-profile friendlies:

Both matches are expected to provide strong competitive tests, with Algeria lifting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and Côte d’Ivoire winning the 2024 edition on home soil.

Arab Cup Group Draw

Saudi Arabia have been placed in Group B alongside:

• Morocco

• Winner of Oman vs Somalia

• Winner of Comoros vs Yemen

It is seen as one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

World Cup Qualification Secured

The Green Falcons recently secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing top of their playoff group last month in Jeddah after a 3-2 win over Indonesia and a draw with Iraq.

It marks Saudi Arabia’s third consecutive World Cup appearance and the seventh in their history — the highest total among Arab nations, level with Tunisia and Morocco.

This Saudi Arabia squad for the Arab Cup represents a balanced mix of youth and experience.

Renard’s Return and the Long-Term Project

Renard, who led Saudi Arabia to their iconic 2-1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, returned to his post in October 2024 after a brief spell coaching the French women’s national team.

Saudi FA president Yasser Al-Misehal has reiterated full confidence in Renard, confirming he will remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup and AFC Asian Cup 2027:

“This is a long-term project. Renard has a clear identity and vision for the national team. We are committed to giving him the tools to succeed.”