🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Georgios Donis typically deploys a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with Mohammed Kanno providing defensive cover in midfield and Salem Al Dawsari operating as a free-roaming attacking threat from the left. Saud Abdulhamid pushes high on the right, creating overloads. The team defends in a mid-block and looks to transition rapidly through Firas Al Buraikan's runs in behind, rather than sustaining prolonged possession phases.

Watch Salem Al Dawsari first — the Al Hilal winger is Saudi Arabia's most dangerous creative force, a left-footed dribbler whose curling finish against Argentina in 2022 became one of the tournament's defining moments. Firas Al Buraikan offers explosive pace and clinical finishing for Al Ahli, while Saud Abdulhamid is the squad's most battle-hardened European export, earning consistent Ligue 1 minutes at Lens as an attack-minded right-back.

Saudi Arabia's counter-attacking speed is genuine — Firas Al Buraikan and Salem Al Dawsari can punish high defensive lines. Saud Abdulhamid's Ligue 1 experience adds European-level composure at right-back, and the Al Hilal contingent — Hassan Tambakti, Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al Dawsari — brings club chemistry that accelerates on-pitch understanding.

Depth beyond the starting XI is a concern, with most outfield players coming from the Saudi Pro League and lacking exposure to high-pressure international football. Mohammed Al Owais is experienced but the goalkeeping cover — Nawaf Al Aqidi and Ahmed Al Kassar — is untested at this level. Set-piece defending has also been a vulnerability in recent qualifying campaigns.