RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad has finally been confirmed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but head coach Georgios Donis’ choices have done little to ease concerns among fans ahead of a tough group featuring former world champions Spain and Uruguay.
With 30 players initially called up to the team’s camp in the US, fans began discussing which four would bid farewell to the Green Falcons ahead of their seventh appearance in the competition.
That did not stop some from voicing their concerns prior to the final omission decision. Players like Al-Ahli’s Rayan Hamed, Al-Ittihad’s Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Al-Shabab’s Hammam Al-Hammami and Al-Kholood’s Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa were amongst the names that fans felt Donis had been harsh to omit.
When it came to the 30-man squad itself, few expected the Greek to decide against calling up Zakaria Hawsawi and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat.
With four goalkeepers selected, it was expected that one would not continue to the World Cup. Sure enough, Abdulqudous Attiah dropped out.
The next omission came in the form of Abdullah Al-Salem, who enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season with Al-Khaleej under Donis before moving to Al-Qadsiah, where a lack of game time hurt his cause.
As for Hawsawi and Abu Al-Shamat, the story was different. Reports have emerged that the reason for their inability to make the 26-man squad was lack of fitness.
Abu Al-Shamat burst onto the scene with Al-Ahli this year but was criticized on multiple occasions due to his inability to consistently complete 90 minutes. In two full Saudi Pro League seasons, the attacking midfielder has yet to feature for a full match.
For the Green Falcons, Abu Al-Shamat’s omission does not present a significant problem. In attacking midfield, Saudi Arabia can still rely on the likes of Salem Al-Dawsari, Sultan Mandash, Aiman Yahya, Khalid Al-Ghannam, Musab Al-Juwayr and Saleh’s brother, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.
But Hawsawi’s absence sparked greater uproar. The Green Falcons’ only natural left-back performed at high levels for Al-Ahli this season, particularly during their run to AFC Champions League Elite glory.
There was never an expectation that Hawsawi would miss the final squad, especially given Saudi Arabia’s lack of options at left-back.
Hassan Kadish has mostly played for Al-Ittihad in a left center-back role, while Moteb Al-Harbi has often been deployed across the defense under Simone Inzaghi this season. The only other left-back under consideration is Nawaf Buwashl, a right-back by trade who is nonetheless familiar playing on the left.
While reports have claimed Hawsawi did not pass his fitness test, questions surrounding his discipline have also followed him throughout his career. Prior to joining Al-Ahli on loan, Hawsawi was at now-relegated Al-Raed, having been moved on from Al-Ittihad despite his talent due to concerns over his temperament.
This was most evident in the AFC Champions League Elite. While Hawsawi was a key cog in the team, he ultimately undid much of his good work with a red card for violent conduct in the final against Machida Zelvia. Al-Ahli eventually claimed victory with 10 men, but Hawsawi’s dismissal made the task significantly harder.
Regardless, the time for discussion on squad choices is now over. Saudi Arabia have two more friendlies to look forward to following a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador on Sunday, with a match against Puerto Rico on Saturday followed by a meeting with Senegal next Wednesday.
Against Ecuador, Donis set the team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mohammed Al-Owais in goal and a back four of Nawaf Buwashl, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Hassaan Al-Tambakti and Moteb Al-Harbi. In midfield, Mohammed Kanno and Abdullah Al-Khaibari operated as the double pivot, with Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Musab Al-Juwayr and Salem Al-Dawsari ahead of them as Feras Al-Brikan led the line.
It was substitute Sultan Mandash who scored Saudi Arabia’s only goal on the night, building on his supersub performances for Al-Hilal with his maiden international goal.
It remains unclear who Donis will trust to start against Uruguay on June 15.
The goalkeeping spot will be contested by Al-Owais and Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the latter of whom was frozen out by Jorge Jesus after a trio of poor performances against Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal in January.
Saud Abdulhamid will most certainly occupy the right-back spot, but the left-back spot remains a mystery. Kanno and Al-Juwayr will control the midfield alongside one of Al-Khaibari or Nasser Al-Dawsari, while Salem Al-Dawsari and Al-Brikan are near-certain starters.
The final question mark remains on the right wing. Mandash is a strong option, but Donis did test Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat — normally a right wing-back for Al-Qadsiah — in a purely attacking role against Ecuador, and it remains to be seen whether that is his long-term plan or simply an experiment.
