Along with Iran, Saudi Arabia is one of the leading forces in West Asian football. The Saudi Pro League, which brings together the world's top players, has recently attracted attention, and the country is also keen to host international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup™ in 2034. Expectations are also high for the national team, nicknamed “The Green Falcons.”

The team has put on some impressive displays at the World Cup, including their first appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™. In their third group match against Belgium, Saeed AL-OWAIRAN dribbled up the pitch for some 60 metres, evading one defender after another before scoring the winning goal. The win saw the team finish second in their group with a record of two wins and one defeat to advance to the Round of 16. Despite being knocked out of the group stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, they stunned the world by coming from behind to beat eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match.

In August last year, it was announced that Italian coach Roberto MANCINI had been appointed to lead the team. As a player, he was capped 36 times for Italy, while as a coach, he has managed big clubs such as Inter Milan and Manchester City. In 2021, he led the Italy National team to victory at the UEFA EURO.

However, under the leadership of a great general who came into office with a lot of hype, it is difficult to say that Saudi Arabia are living up to their potential. After the Qatar World Cup, they made it through the second round of the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers but finished second in their group after dropping points at home to Jordan. At this year's AFC Asian Cup, held in January and February, they were eliminated on penalties by Korea Republic in the round of 16. In the final round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, which began in September, they drew 1-1 at home to Indonesia in their opening match. In the following match against China PR, however, they came from behind to win 2-1 despite having a player sent off in the 19th minute. Coach Mancini revealed part of the reason for the victory, saying: “We always train for every situation.”

Japan and Saudi Arabia met in the final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™. On both occasions, each team won at home and lost on the road. Salem ALDAWSARI is the man to watch in a team that relies on possession and solid defence. He scored in the aforementioned match against Argentina at the Qatar tournament. In midfield, Abdulelah AL-MALKI orchestrates the team's attacks with his long and short passing. Centre-back Hassan KADESH scored two goals with a header from a corner kick in the previous match against China PR and will be a key source of goals for the team.

Results of last 5 matches
(H: Home, A: Away, N: Neutral ground, ○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)

Record against Japan

5 wins 1 draw 10 losses (13 goals, 25 against)

Results at the FIFA World Cup™

Appearances: 6
※Became a FIFA member in 1956
1958　Did not participate
1962　Did not participate
1966　Did not participate
1970　Did not participate
1974　Did not participate
1978　Eliminated in the qualifier
1982　Eliminated in the qualifier
1986　Eliminated in the qualifier
1990　Eliminated in the qualifier
1994　Round of 16
1998　Group stage
2002　Group stage
2006　Group stage
2010　Eliminated in the qualifier
2014　Eliminated in the qualifier
2018　Group stage
2022　Group stage

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