Staking a claim: 5 Saudis to watch as World Cup preps heat up | OneFootball

As the Roshn Saudi League takes a pause after that goal-laden opening weekend, attention now turns to international matters with Saudi Arabia travelling to Europe for two important friendlies.

The matches against North Macedonia and Czechia will serve as testing preparation ahead of the Green Falcons’ crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Indonesia and Iraq next month – games that will determine if they make next summer’s global finals.

With playing places on the line, here are five stars to watch this week as they look to catch the eye of manager Herve Renard - and cement their spot in the starting XI for those decisive qualifiers.

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Moteb Al Harbi

The dashing left-back caught the eye at the weekend in Al Hilal’s opening day 2-0 win against Al Riyadh, and not just for his stunning goal to open the scoring.

Al Harbi’s dynamism in getting forward created headaches for Al Riyadh throughout, which can be an asset for the national team who like to create a lot of overlap running.

His goal also showed the threat he poses in attack; carrying the ball forward, Al Harbi unleashed a thunderous strike that gave goalkeeper Milan Borjan no chance, and that attacking ability is what makes him so dangerous - and so highly rated.

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Musab Al Juwayr

Scoring and chance creation has been a struggle for this Green Falcons throughout World Cup qualifying, with only seven goals in 10 games in the previous round.

For that reason, Al Juwayr becomes one of the keys for Renard’s side as they look to find more avenues to goal.

The newly signed Al Qadsiah midfielder showed last season the talent he has at his disposal, and having secured his future with a move to Al Khobar, he now needs to take that into the national team and transform their offensive play.

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Nawaf Boushal

If Moteb Al Harbi is important on the left, then Boushal is becoming increasingly crucial on the right for many of the same reasons.

Now working alongside new manager Jorge Jesus at Al Nassr, the 25-year-old had already emerged across the past 12 months as an exciting option at right-back for both club and country.

While Boushal loves to get forward, his defensive work comes first and foremost and, in the RSL-opening victory at Al Taawoun, he recorded the most tackles of any player on the pitch, with seven - more than double the next best.

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Ziyad Al Johani

Aged only 23 and with fewer than 10 caps, the Al Ahli midfielder is one of the least experienced players in the Saudi Arabian squad.

But his emergence last season, and the pivotal role he played in helping Matthias Jaissle’s side capture the AFC Champions League Elite title, conveyed Al Johani has what it takes to deliver on the biggest stage.

His slight frame somewhat belies his punchiness in midfield, where at club level he plays as the perfect foil for Franck Kessie. Paired with an experienced head at the heart of the battle, Al Johani has all the attributes to make a difference.

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Feras Al Buraikan

Put simply, the Green Falcons need goals to win, and the most consistent Saudi goalscorer in the RSL during the past few seasons has been Al Buraikan.

With Ivan Toney up front, he operates more in wide positions for Al Ahli, so it will be interesting to see whether Renard opts for the same or chooses to play him in his more natural slot at the top of the attack. It’s there that Al Buraikan he can be more effective.

He proved at various times last term with Al Ahli that he is the man for the big moment - and that’s what Saudi Arabia need now more than ever.