Saudi Arabia’s early FIFA World Cup exit prompts federation chief to resign | World Cup 2026 News
Saudi Football Federation President Resigns Following World Cup Exit
Saudi Arabia finished at the bottom of Group H, accruing only two points from three matches.
June 29, 2026
The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser al-Misehal, has announced his resignation following the national team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup. The team failed to advance past the group stage, finishing last in Group H with just two points.
Saudi Arabia’s performance included a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a goalless draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde, and a 4-0 defeat to Spain, one of the favorites to win the title.
“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it,” al-Misehal stated in a post on X late Sunday. He expressed his regret to fans hoping for a better outcome and emphasized the necessity for change, stating, “A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter.”
Al-Misehal has led the federation for seven years and was instrumental in securing Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, a key aspect of the country’s strategy to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
This year marked Saudi Arabia’s third consecutive participation in the World Cup. The team has not progressed to the knockout stages since reaching the round of 16 in 1994. Among the seven Asian teams competing this year, only Japan and Australia advanced beyond the group stage.
Saudi Arabia’s preparation for the tournament faced challenges, leading to the dismissal of French coach Hervé Renard in April. His exit followed disappointing results in warm-up matches.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has invested nearly $2 billion in football, attracting high-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, which has become one of the most lucrative leagues globally.