Morocco, Algeria, Iraq: the RSL represented at 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | OneFootball

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off on Monday with a strong Roshn Saudi League presence - and that’s without counting our Saudi Arabia national team contingent.

The tournament comprises 16 teams, placed in four groups of four, with the top two from each pool advancing to the quarter-finals. Nine teams qualified based on the official FIFA rankings, while the other seven navigated play-offs to take their place.

So, here’s a list of the stars involved in Qatar outside of Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia side, with nine players concentrated from three title-contending national teams: Morocco, Algeria and Iraq.

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The Atlas Lions

Marwan Saadane - Al Fateh

The Al Fateh captain displays great consistency and the ability to control the match tempo. He is considered one of his RSL club’s most important defensive players thanks to his excellent positioning, precise passing, and tactical awareness.

For that, Saadane represents a significant addition to Morocco's backline.

Al Fateh's Marwane Saadane is known for his strong leadership from the back

Aschraf El Mahdioui - Al Taawoun

A solid pivot in midfield and one of the pillars of an Al Taawoun team enjoying a super season, El Mahdioui excels at reading opposition attacks and thus closing spaces. He should therefore prove a reliable option for Morocco in what’s expected to be a highly competitive tournament.

Abderrazak Hamdallah - Al Shabab

One of the most prominent Arab goalscorers of the past decade, the RSL all-timer returns to the Morocco national team as an indispensable attacking asset.

Hamdallah continues to pose a threat to any defence thanks to his clinical finishing and master positioning, and comes into the tournament having just netted his first RSL goal of the season.

The opener at Al Okhdood lifted the three-time RSL golden boot winner to 151 goals in the top flight - and five back from all-time record holder Omar Al Somah.

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The Desert Warriors

Abdelkader Badrane - Damac

The rock in Damac's defence, the Algerian possesses robust physical strength and is an influential presence, leading the Damac backline with expert composure. His experience in one-on-one situations should provide his national team with an additional steel.

Sofiane Bendebka - Al Fateh

A regular contributor to Al Fateh for the best part of seven seasons, the forward displays high tactical discipline in which he can combine defensive and offensive roles.

However, it’s up front where Bendebka can really benefit the Algerian side. Last season, he scored 12 times as Al Fateh somehow escaped relegation, while this term he has three goals in eight matches.

Yassine Benzia - Al Fayha

Blessed with fine technical ability, the attacking midfielder is considered one of Al Fayha's most important playmakers. Benzia’s vision and passing ability between the lines make him a crucial attacking option not only for club, but now for country.

Amir Sayoud - Al Hazem

The creative force in Al Hazem's midfield, the former Al Tai and Al Raed star is known for his exceptional dribbling skills and decisive passes.

He forms part of Al Hazem’s veteran attacking triumvirate alongside Al Somah and Fabio Martins, as the Ar Rass side, fresh from victory in the historic derby against Al Kholood, seek to stay in the division following promotion last season.

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The Lions of Mesopotamia

Ibrahim Bayesh - Al Riyadh

A superbly versatile player, the Al Riyadh midfielder has been delivering consistent performances for the capital club since joining last year, where he allies experience with expertise.

Bayesh’s ability to create chances and his excellent reading of the game will no doubt make him a valuable asset for the Iraq national team in Qatar.

Ali Jassim - Al Najmah

A pacy winger and a prominent talent who has developed at speed already this season on debut in the RSL, the Al Najmah starlet excels through his penetrating runs and ability to change the tempo of the game.

Check out, for example, his virtuoso goal against Al Kholood in Matchweek 5, an early contender for RSL Goal of the Season.