Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia arrive having undergone significant change — their managerial situation has been turbulent in the weeks before the tournament. The Green Eagles made global headlines beating Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup in the greatest upset of that tournament. Salem Al-Dawsari remains their creative heart; the squad has been strengthened by Saudi Pro League investment.
At a Glance
Key Players
Coach: Roberto Mancini
Tactical Analysis
A disciplined 4-2-3-1 with compact defensive shape and rapid transitions. Al-Dawsari provides the primary creative threat from wide areas; the team relies on collective defensive organisation to compete with stronger sides.
Betting Angle
Saudi Arabia's biggest upsets have come at long odds against tournament favourites — they are capable of individual match results that defy their general tournament probability.
Did You Know?
- Saudi Arabia's 2-1 defeat of Argentina in 2022 is widely considered the greatest World Cup upset of the modern era.
- Salem Al-Dawsari scored the winning goal against Argentina — a stunning curling finish in the 90th minute.
- Saudi Arabia has invested billions in football through the Saudi Pro League, attracting Ronaldo, Benzema, Neymar, and others.