Star man: Salem Al-Dawsar stood out in Russia 2018
(Picture: Getty Images)Hammered 5-0 by Russia on opening night at the last tournament, Saudi Arabia gave a decent account of themselves thereafter.
They are something of an unknown going into Qatar, with their entire squad playing in the Saudi league, but finished ahead of Japan and Australia in Asian qualifying.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia…
Coach: Herve Renard. Journeyman Frenchman who won AFCON with Zambia and Ivory Coast.
Captain: Salman Al-Faraj. Experienced midfielder who scored penalty in a 2-1 win over Egypt in 2018.
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsar. Sparky winger who scored winner against Egypt and was one of few to standout in Russia.
One to watch: Firas Al-Buraikan. In an ageing side, the 22-year-old forward has six goals in 24 caps and is one for the future.
Odds to win: 500/1
World ranking: 51st
Best thing about them: Will be more familiar with the hot conditions than any side bar the hosts.
Worst thing about them: Failed to get out of a kinder looking group four years ago.
Their prospects in three words: Likely wooden spoon.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
November 22 vs Argentina (10am)
November 26 vs Poland (1pm)
November 30 vs Mexico (7pm)
Squad in full
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohamed Al-Yami.
Defenders: Yasser Al-Shahrani, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Madu, Hassan Tambakti, Sultan Al-Ghanam, Mohammed Al-Breik, Saud Abdulhamid.
Midfielders: Salman Al-Faraj, Riyadh Sharahili, Ali Al-Hassan, Mohamed Kanno, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Sami Al-Najei, Abdullah Otayf, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Salem Al-Dawsari, Hattan Bahebri.
Forwards: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Haitham Asiri, Saleh Al-Shehri Firas Al-Buraikan.
