'We're coming to do something great' - Saudi Arabia excited for 2026 FIFA World Cup test | OneFootball

The eventual champions three years ago; the world’s No.1 national team next time around.

But Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia, packed full of red-hot Roshn Saudi League stars, won’t go into the 2026 FIFA World Cup fearing anyone.

As last time proved, they can be a match for anyone.

“This is a World Cup; I will say we are always in the difficult group,” the Green Falcons manager offered following the draw in Washington DC on Friday, which placed Saudi Arabia in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and debutants Cape Verde.

“Four years ago, it was Argentina, Mexico. Today it's Spain, the first team in the FIFA ranking, so we can say the best team in the world. Also, Uruguay, a very strong team with a very good coach, Marcelo Bielsa.

"And Cape Verde: they want to show to the world in their first participation [that] they can do very well. So, this is a World Cup level.”

It most certainly is. Back in his second stint with Saudi Arabia, Renard recognises the change that the national team have gone through. Significant fresh blood has been added, headlined by a number of exciting, and emergent, RSL talent.

For example, Al Qadsiah playmaker Musab Al Juwayr is the top flight’s reigning Young Player of the Year, while club teammate Jehad Thikri has had more than a full season honing his skills alongside defensive partner, and Real Madrid great, Nacho.

Others include the rapidly developing Saleh Abu Al Shamat, one of Al Ahli's lead forwards already shining for Saudi Arabia, while full-back Nawaf Boushal is thriving at table-toppers Al Nassr.

As, too at their respective clubs, are the likes of defender Waleed Al Ahmed at high-flying Al Taawoun and midfielder Murad Al Hawsawi with surprise packages Al Khaleej.

On Friday night, as the draw was being made in the United States' capital, Renard’s men were 1,000s of kilometres away in Qatar, defeating Comoros 3-1 in the group stages of the FIFA Arab Cup to book their place in the knockouts.

Salem Al Dawsari, the current Asian Player of the Year, put in a Man of the Match display, embroidered with a superb solo goal. Midfielder Mohammed Kanno got the other two. The Al Hilal pair are two of a select band that bridge the gap between the 2022 World Cup and next summer’s showpiece.

“We have a different team now; only four players from the previous generation,” Renard said. “So, some of them will play for the first time in the World Cup.

“They need experience, but it's a fantastic opportunity, a tough match against Spain as well.”

In Qatar, almost three years ago to the day, Saudi Arabia opened their sixth FIFA World Cup with one of the greatest results in the history of the global finals.

Then, they came from behind to defeat Argentina 2-1, thanks to Saleh Al Shehri and Al Dawsari. It marked the only match the eventual champions lost as they rebounded to claim a third World Cup crown.

Asked if Saudi Arabia can do the same next year against title-contenders Spain, Renard joked: “If they all agree, [that] we can beat them and they can be champion of the world, we sign immediately.”

However, that doesn’t mean the Frenchman would settle for only that.

“We are coming to the World Cup to do something and when we are able to do something great, it's better,” he said. “Last time we beat Argentina, but we didn't reach the second round.

“So, the first step was very good, but the achievement was not enough. We must come into [the tournament in] USA, Mexico and Canada to have the goal to be qualified for the next round.”