#56
FIFA Ranking
7
WC Appearances
Round of 16 (1994)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Saudi Arabia secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Asia qualification pathway. As a AFC representative, they were among 8 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #56 in the FIFA World Rankings, Saudi Arabia enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 7 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group H Analysis
Saudi Arabia has been drawn in Group H and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group H Opponents
Spain
FIFA Ranking: #8 • Elite opponent
Cape Verde
FIFA Ranking: #68 • Challenging opponent
Uruguay
FIFA Ranking: #14 • Strong opponent
Group H Fixtures for Saudi Arabia
Match 16
Jun 15, 2026
Saudi Arabia
vs.
Uruguay
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Match 33
Jun 21, 2026
Spain
vs.
Saudi Arabia
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Match 58
Jun 26, 2026
Cape Verde
vs.
Saudi Arabia
NRG Stadium, Houston
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Saudi Arabia Win the World Cup?
Saudi Arabia faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Saudi Arabia, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Saudi Arabia has appeared in 7 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Round of 16 (1994), representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Having competed in several World Cups, Saudi Arabia has developed a tournament pedigree that will serve them well in 2026.
Predict Saudi Arabia's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Saudi Arabia play at World Cup 2026?▾
Saudi Arabia will play their first group stage match on June 15, 2026 against Uruguay. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group H with Saudi Arabia?▾
Saudi Arabia has been drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Cape Verde and Uruguay. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Saudi Arabia's best World Cup finish?▾
Saudi Arabia's best World Cup finish is Round of 16 (1994). They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Saudi Arabia win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Saudi Arabia faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.