The Saudi national football team has finalized its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, excluding five high-profile names—including midfielder Saleh Abu Shamata and left-back Zakaria Hawsawi—just days before their opening match against Ecuador in New Jersey. The list, announced by Greek head coach Yorgos Donis on June 1, 2026, places Saudi Arabia in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, with the tournament set to begin later this month across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Who’s In, Who’s Out: The Surprising Cuts
Donis’s roster omits five players who had featured prominently in pre-tournament camps: goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, goalkeeper Abdulqados Atiyah, midfielder Saleh Abu Shamata (23), left-back Zakaria Hawsawi (25), and defender Abdullah Al-Salem. The exclusions drew immediate attention, particularly for Abu Shamata and Hawsawi, who had delivered standout performances in domestic leagues and were widely expected to make the final cut.
According to Annahar and Okaz, the decision reflects Donis’s tactical vision, which prioritizes experience and adaptability for the expanded 48-team tournament. The coach has emphasized a more defensive, possession-based approach—a stark contrast to the attacking flair of previous Saudi squads.
Abu Shamata, who had just won the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli, and Hawsawi, a key player for the same club, were both left off despite their recent form. Their exclusion sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether Donis’s selections align with Saudi Arabia’s need for creative firepower in a group that includes two of the tournament’s favorites, Spain and Uruguay.
Yet the coach’s logic is clear: the 2026 World Cup demands depth and versatility. With 26 players now allowed per squad, Donis appears to have balanced youth with experience, ensuring flexibility for injuries or tactical adjustments. The roster includes three goalkeepers (Nawaf Al-Aqeedi, Mohammed Al-Owais, and Ahmed Al-Kassar), a robust defensive core featuring players like Hassan Al-Tambakti and Jihad Dhakri, and a midfield anchored by names like Abdullah Al-Kheibri and Salem Al-Dawsari.
The Three Players Who Stay—For Now
While the five players were cut from the final squad, Donis has kept three of them—Al-Sanabi, Atiyah, and Al-Salem—in the national team’s training camp. This move aligns with FIFA’s regulations, which permit last-minute substitutions for injured players up to 24 hours before a team’s first match. The coach’s flexibility suggests he’s hedging against potential setbacks, ensuring he has backup options if key players falter in the early stages.
As CNN Arabic notes, the decision also underscores the high stakes of the 2026 tournament. With Saudi Arabia facing a daunting schedule—including a potential showdown with Spain in the group stage—the team’s ability to adapt mid-tournament could be critical. The inclusion of these three in the camp, even off the final list, signals Donis’s readiness to pivot if needed.
A Test Match Gone Wrong: Saudi Arabia’s Pre-Tournament Struggle
Saudi Arabia’s final preparations were put to the test in a 2-1 friendly loss to Ecuador on May 31, 2026, at New Jersey’s Sports Authority Field. The match served as a dry run for both teams ahead of the World Cup, but the result was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for Donis’s squad. The coach, who replaced Frenchman Hervé Renard in April after a string of poor results, is now tasked with turning the team around in just a few weeks.
The loss to Ecuador—who will open the tournament against Saudi Arabia in their first group match—highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. While veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais started, it was substitute Sultan Mendesh who pulled one back in the 87th minute, a late consolation that did little to ease concerns about the team’s resilience.
Donis’s roster reflects his focus on defensive solidity. Players like Ali Lajami and Hassan Kadish, who excel in tight, physical contests, are central to his system. But with Spain and Uruguay looming, the question remains: will Saudi Arabia’s midfield and attack be able to match the creativity and firepower of their group rivals?
What Comes Next: Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Roadmap
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup campaign begins in earnest with two more friendlies before the tournament kicks off. On June 5, they face Puerto Rico in New Jersey, followed by Senegal on June 9 in Texas. These matches will serve as the final dress rehearsals for Donis’s squad, offering a chance to refine tactics and test fitness.
The group stage looms large. Saudi Arabia’s schedule is brutal: they open against Ecuador on June 11, followed by Uruguay on June 16, and Cape Verde on June 21. A win against any of these teams would be a major upset, given their respective rankings and recent form. Spain, the tournament favorites, are in the same group, and even a draw against them would be a monumental achievement.
Beyond the group stage, the stakes are even higher. If Saudi Arabia advances, they’ll face the challenge of navigating a knockout stage where every mistake could be costly. Donis’s roster is built for resilience, but the real test will be execution. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, the path to the quarterfinals is longer and more grueling than ever. For Saudi Arabia, simply reaching that stage would be a historic accomplishment.
One thing is certain: the decisions Donis has made—both in and out of the final squad—will be scrutinized intensely. The exclusion of players like Abu Shamata and Hawsawi may prove prescient if the team’s defensive strategy pays off, or it could backfire if creativity is sorely missed. What is clear is that this Saudi Arabia squad is playing for something far bigger than qualification: they’re aiming to make history in a tournament that promises to be unlike any other.
For now, the focus remains on the next 30 days. Two friendlies, a group-stage opener, and the weight of expectation. Saudi Arabia’s World Cup journey has begun—and with it, the question of whether Donis’s bold choices will be enough to defy the odds.