Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal has resigned after the national team failed to progress beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Saudi Arabia exited the tournament after drawing against Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing to Spain. The result triggered criticism of the team’s performance and raised questions over the federation’s football planning ahead of the kingdom’s scheduled hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Misehal, who had led the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for several years, said he accepted responsibility for the team’s early exit. He said the national side’s performance had fallen far below expectations and apologized to supporters.
Al-Misehal accepts responsibility for World Cup exit
In his resignation statement, Al-Misehal said Saudi Arabia’s results did not meet the hopes of fans or the federation. He said the team’s campaign had ended in disappointment despite expectations of a stronger showing at the tournament.
His departure comes at a significant moment for Saudi football. Al-Misehal played an important role in Saudi Arabia’s successful effort to secure the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a tournament expected to be central to the country’s long-term football development plans.
The resignation also places renewed focus on the future direction of Saudi football, including national team preparation, player development and federation-level reforms.
Saudi football faces key transition period
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football in recent years, both through domestic league development and international sporting ambitions. The national team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup is likely to intensify debate over how the country prepares for major tournaments.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is now expected to move through a leadership transition as the country continues preparations for its role as host of the 2034 World Cup.
For Saudi fans, the resignation marks the first major administrative fallout from the national team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
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