Making Their Case: 7 Saudis out to impress in World Cup warm-up | OneFootball

Nothing is set in stone.

That is the message from Herve Renard after naming an extended 50-man squad for this international window, split into “A” and “B” camps as he casts a wide net ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In this, the final FIFA international before before the Frenchman will name his final 26 for North America, the “A” team will take on Egypt on Friday in Jeddah and then Serbia away next week, while the “B” team have assembled for a training camp to press their case for selection.

Here are seven players, derived from both groups, that will be looking to push into Renard’s plans for the final World Cup squad.

--------

Salman Al Faraj

It’s not just emerging talent looking to make the case. Roshn Saudi League legend Al Faraj is a man who has already experienced two World Cups, having played in both 2018 and 2022 although, in the latter, his tournament cruelly ended after only one game.

So 2026 represents a bit of unfinished business for the veteran midfielder, who has battled injury during the past 18 months before returning in recent months at NEOM Sports Club.

While, at 36, age might be against him, Al Faraj brings invaluable experience and leadership to Saudi Arabia.

--------

Abdullah Al Hamdan

Since moving between Riyadh rivals in the winter transfer window, the Al Nassr forward is making a strong case, with three goals and an assist in nine games across all competitions for the current RSL leaders.

Having stepped up to fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent injury, Al Hamdan starred in Al Nassr’s 5-0 win at Al Khaleej, registering a goal and assist. If he can impress in this camp, and finish the season in form, could the former Al Hilal striker push to the top of the queue for a starting berth up front?

--------

Khalid Al Ghannam

One of the best-performing Saudi players in this season’s RSL, the 25-year-old has been rewarded for his outstanding form with a first call-up to the national team since 2023.

On that occasion, Al Ghannam didn’t get on the pitch against either Pakistan or Jordan in a pair of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, after nine goals and four assists for Al Ettifaq this term, Renard could no longer ignore the exciting winger.

--------

Rayan Hamed

The 23-year-old is another to earn a recall after a lengthy spell in the international wilderness; his last cap came in 2024 against Bahrain.

But with an untimely injury to Waleed Al Ahmed, who looked to have played himself firmly into Renard’s calculations, a spot at the heart of defence has potentially opened up.

And having, in the absence of Merih Demiral, cemented a place in title-chasing Al Ahli’s defence alongside Brazil call-up Ibanez, Hamed is now clearly a consideration to step into that Al Ahmed-shaped hole.

--------

Sultan Mandash

This might represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Al Hilal winger to go to a World Cup. Now 31, there was initially no guarantee he’d even be in the frame.

But after impressive early season form for Al Taawoun, Mandash earned himself a move to Al Hilal in January. Since, performances like he had against Al Shabab - he contributed a goal and an assist in the 5-3 victory - have very much put Mandash on Renard’s radar.

Especially as the Frenchman looks to inject fresh life into an attack that struggled to convert opportunities during qualifying.

--------

Moteb Al Harbi

This is a big window for the 26-year-old, who only 18 months ago made a money-spinning move from Al Shabab to Al Hilal.

While Al Harbi was in the national team squad towards the end of last year, featuring in friendlies in September and then in the play-offs a month later, he now finds himself in the “B” squad.

On his day one of Saudi Arabia’s best full-backs, Al Harbi needs to make a major mark to force his way back contention for this summer’s tournament.

--------

Abdulaziz Al Elewa

A potential standout from Renard’s “B” squad is undoubtedly Al Kholood’s exciting 22-year-old, who has been a revelation this season.

Named MVP at last year’s Under-23 Gulf Cup, Al Elewa has three goals and two assists in the league and, consequently, has three RSL Young Player of the Month awards to boot.

But it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Only two years ago, when on the books at Al Nassr, the winger shone in the final few games of the season, including netting a brace against Abha not long after his 20th birthday.

Now having added the consistency that comes with elite-level experience, Al Elewa might just prove a wildcard option to watch out for.