Making Their Case: 7 Saudis out to impress in World Cup warm-up

Making Their Case: 7 Saudis out to impress in World Cup warm-up Nothing is set in stone. That is the message from Herve Renard after naming an extended 50-man squad for this international window , split into “A” and “B” camps as he casts a wide net ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this, the final FIFA international before before the Frenchman will name his final 26 for North America, the “A” team will take on Egypt on Friday in Jeddah and then Serbia away next week, while the “B” team have assembled for a training camp to press their case for selection.

Here are seven players, derived from both groups, that will be looking to push into Renard’s plans for the final World Cup squad . -------- Salman Al Faraj It’s not just emerging talent looking to make the case. Roshn Saudi League legend Al Faraj is a man who has already experienced two World Cups, having played in both 2018 and 2022 although, in the latter, his tournament cruelly ended after only one game.

So 2026 represents a bit of unfinished business for the veteran midfielder, who has battled injury during the past 18 months before returning in recent months at NEOM Sports Club. While, at 36, age might be against him, Al Faraj brings invaluable experience and leadership to Saudi Arabia. -------- Abdullah Al Hamdan Since moving between Riyadh rivals in the winter transfer window, the Al Nassr forward is making a strong case, with three goals and an assist in nine games across all competitions for the current RSL leaders .

Having stepped up to fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent injury, Al Hamdan starred in Al Nassr’s 5-0 win at Al Khaleej , registering a goal and assist. If he can impress in this camp, and finish the season in form, could the former Al Hilal striker push to the top of the queue for a starting berth up front? -------- Khalid Al Ghannam One of the best-performing Saudi players in this season’s RSL , the 25-year-old has been rewarded for his outstanding form with a first call-up to the national team since 2023.