Saudi Arabia Unveils World Cup Squad with Major Roster Changes

Saudi Arabia's football federation released its preliminary squad for the World Cup on Friday, bringing significant shifts to the national team's composition.

The roster of 30 players notably excludes several established figures, with captain Salman Al-Faraj, defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, and midfielder Hamad Al-Yami among those left off the list. Their places have been taken by emerging talent, including goalkeeper Abdul Quddus Attiya, defender Alaa Al Haji, and midfielder Muhammad Khabrani.

The squad retains experienced players Muhammad Al-Owais, Saud Abdul Hamid, Salem Al-Dosari, and Firas Al-Braikan.

Coach Denis is set to begin his tenure with the national team through a training camp based in the United States, which will feature three international friendlies. The squad will first face Ecuador on May 30 in New Jersey, followed by a match against Puerto Rico on June 5 in Austin. The camp concludes with a fixture against Senegal on June 9 in San Antonio.