Saud Abdulhamid the sole foreigner in Saudi Arabia's 2026 World Cup squad

Roma's Saud Abdulhamid is the only player outside Saudi's domestic league in the country's 2026 World Cup squad.

Defender's unique selection Roma full-back Saud Abdulhamid stands out as the only overseas-based player in Saudi Arabia's 26-man World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament. The 2025 Coupe de France winner with Lens on loan last season has been called up by Greek coach Georgios Donis. All other squad members compete in the Saudi Pro League. Abdulhamid made his international debut in 2019. ## Captain's World Cup return Al Hilal midfielder Salem Al Dawsari, 34, leads the national team as captain. He is included in the squad for his third consecutive World Cup appearance. Al Dawsari previously played in the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament. ## Tournament schedule revealed Saudi Arabia's Group H campaign begins on June 15 against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup. Their next match is against 2010 champions Spain on June 21. The final group game will be against Cape Verde six days later. ## Global event details The World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on June 11. Saudi Arabia's squad list was finalized and announced recently. ## Complete goalkeeper list The three goalkeepers selected are Mohammed Al Owais from Al Ula, Nawaf Al Aqidi from Al Nassr, and Ahmed Al Kassar from Al Qadsiah. ## Defensive squad breakdown The defensive lineup includes Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (Lens, on loan from Roma), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), and Sultan Al-Ghannam (Al Nassr). ## Midfielders selected Midfield options feature Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (Neom), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), and Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr). ## Forwards in the squad Three forwards have been named: Firas Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), and Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr). ## Host nations and dates The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It starts on June 11. Saudi Arabia's group games are scheduled for mid to late June.