Country profile
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Key facts
Capital
Riyadh
Population
36,900,000
Confederation
AFC
FIFA code
KSA
Overview
Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, stretches across vast deserts from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf, home to Islam's holiest cities of Mecca and Medina. Football is woven into the fabric of daily life, from dusty street pitches to gleaming modern stadiums.
The kingdom has poured staggering resources into the sport, transforming the Saudi Pro League into a global magnet for elite talent and positioning itself to host the 2034 World Cup. National pride in the Green Falcons runs deep and loud.
Football culture
Football is comfortably the nation's most popular sport, with fierce rivalries between Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad commanding huge passionate followings. Matchdays bring green-clad crowds, and the national team's fortunes are a source of intense collective emotion.
World Cup history
Saudi Arabia's golden moment came in 1994, reaching the Round of 16 on debut with Saeed Al-Owairan's iconic solo goal. They have since been regulars but mostly group-stage exits, lighting up Qatar 2022 with a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina.
Location
Did you know
- Saeed Al-Owairan's 1994 slalom goal is remembered as one of the World Cup's greatest.
- Their 2022 win over Argentina ranks among the biggest shocks in tournament history.
- The country has no permanent rivers — yet it boasts world-class stadiums.
- The Saudi Pro League lured Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in 2023.
- Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
From Wikipedia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fields one of the 48 national teams contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Source: Wikipedia →