Saudi Arabia, who have taken part in six FIFA World Cups™, have caused a few surprises on the world stage. In their first appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, they shocked the world by defeating Belgium and progressing to the round of 16. At the previous 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, they stunned eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match. Since then, however, the Green Falcons have struggled to perform at a level befitting one of West Asia's powerhouses.

In the second round of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Asian qualifiers, they were beaten at home by Jordan and finished second in the group on goal difference. At the AFC Asian Cup held in January and February last year, they were knocked out in the round of 16 after losing to Korea Republic on penalties. In the recent Arabian Gulf Cup, they suffered a heartbreaking 1-2 semi-final defeat to Oman.

The team's struggles continued in the final round of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Asian qualifiers, which began in September last year. Despite starting the campaign with a 1-1 draw at home and a 2-1 win away to Indonesia and China PR respectively, they dropped points in the home series in October, losing 0-2 to Japan and drawing 0-0 with Bahrain.

Fearing the worst, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation decided to replace coach Roberto MANCINI and brought back Herve RENARD, who led Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 and orchestrated the aforementioned victory over Argentina. After his first stint in Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman has led the France Women’s National Team at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ and at last year's Olympic Games in Paris.

Hoping to rediscover their winning ways, Saudi Arabia played two away matches in November, but continued to falter, drawing 0-0 with Australia and losing 0-2 to Indonesia. They have struggled to make the most of their opportunities in the final round, as they have failed to score in four consecutive games. They are now 10 points behind the group leaders Japan. Coach Renard said: “Japan have completely run away with it. We will do our best to finish second in the group,” and vowed to mount a comeback in their final four games.

They come to Japan in March after a home match against China PR on the 20th. Although they continue to face an uphill struggle, they remain one of the strongest teams in Asia. The team, which is fighting to regain its reputation, is led by players with World Cup experience, including Saud ABDULHAMID, a fullback who plays for Italian side AS Roma, Mohamed KANNO, a prolific midfielder, and Salem ALDAWSARI, who scored the winner against Argentina.

Results of last 5 matches
(H: Home, A: Away, N: Neutral ground, ○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)
※All matches played in the Arabian Gulf Cup were held in Kuwait

Record against Japan

5 wins 1 draw 11 losses (13 goals, 27 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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