LATEST NEWS - SAFF

Mahrez bids farewell to Al Ahli

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Mahrez bids farewell to Al Ahli

Jeddah: Reigning AFC Champions League™ Elite title holders Al Ahli Saudi FC have announced the departure of Riyad Mahrez from the club.

The 35-year-old former Algeria international, who has just retired from the national team following his country’s elimination at the FIFA World Cup 2026, has left after three seasons in which he won back-to-back Asian titles in 2025 and 2026.

Postecoglou takes charge of Al Nassr

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Postecoglou takes charge of Al Nassr

Riyadh: Former AFC Asian Cup™ winner Ange Postecoglou has been named the new head coach of Saudi Pro League champions Al Nassr, the club announced on Friday.

Postecoglou replaces Jorge Jesus, who won the SPL title last season while also leading the club to the final of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™.

Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Houston: Georgios Donis admitted Saudi Arabia had only themselves to blame after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday.

A win against Cabo Verde would have sealed knockout stage progression for the first time since their debut appearance in the 1994 edition but the three-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions could only manage a goalless draw.

That meant tournament debutants Cabo Verde advanced as the Group H runners-up while Saudi Arabia were left to rue a missed opportunity as they finished on two points.

Group H: Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Group H: Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Houston: Saudi Arabia were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after playing to a goalless draw with Cabo Verde in their final Group H match on Friday.

The stalemate meant Saudi Arabia finished on two points while debutants Cabo Verde stunningly advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up behind Spain.
Unbeaten in their three group matches, the archipelago nation of just over 500,000 will play Lionel Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3 in another chapter to their remarkable story.

Preview - Group H: Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia

Houston: Saudi Arabia will have no margin for error when they face Cabo Verde in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H tie on Friday, with victory the only realistic route to keeping their knockout stage hopes alive.

A win will put Saudi Arabia on four points, a total that would either put them in contention for second place or leave them strongly placed in the battle for one of the best third-placed slots.

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis said he remained proud of his players despite the 4-0 defeat against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The West Asian side were 3-0 down inside 24 minutes with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal opening the scoring before Mikel Oyarazbal's double put the outcome beyond doubt before the mid-half hydration break in the first half.

Hassan Al Tambakti's own goal completed the Spanish win but despite the defeat, Saudi Arabia remain in the running to advance from Group H.

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a setback after they fell to a 4-0 defeat against former champions Spain on Sunday.

The loss means Saudi Arabia must beat Cabo Verde in their final Group H match to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 32.

Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain's campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring after just 10 minutes, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their opening group match against Cabo Verde.

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia will be aiming to build on their encouraging start when they face Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H tie at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.

Georgios Donis’ side opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a result that showed their discipline, resilience and ability to stay in the contest against high-quality opposition.

Spain, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a disciplined defensive block, something Saudi Arabia will be looking to exploit.

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Miami: Georgios Donis paid tribute to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and his defenders after Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H opener on Monday.

The South American side dominated possession with 10 of their 27 shots on target to Saudi Arabia's three but inspired goalkeeping from Al Owais and resolute defending limited the two-time world champions to just one goal at the Miami Stadium.

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Preview - Group H: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia will be determined to not slip up when they begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H campaign against Uruguay on Monday.

The three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners are seeking to advance to the knockout stage for the first time since making their debut on the global stage in the 1994 edition.

Saudi Arabia extend unbeaten run; Iraq go down to Venezuela

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Saudi Arabia extend unbeaten run; Iraq go down to Venezuela

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia played to a goalless draw with Senegal while Iraq fell to a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela in international friendlies ahead of their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 opening fixtures.

The draw extended Saudi Arabia's unbeaten run under Georgios Donis and provided another useful test ahead of their campaign in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Cabo Verde their opponents.

Graham Arnold's Iraq side will look to regroup as they prepare for their Group I campaign against France, Senegal and Norway.