Saudi Arabia Football Federation Boss Resigns After Group-Stage Exit from 2026 World Cup
By Saheed Afolabi
President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), Yasser Al-Misehal has tendered his resignation following the country’s national team abysmal elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Green Falcons finished bottom of Group H with just two points, recording a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a goalless draw with Cape Verde, and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain.
This marked Saudi Arabia’s third consecutive group-stage exit at the World Cup.
Al-Misehal took full responsibility for the Green Falcon shortcomings at the World Cup and offered his apologies for the disappointment recorded in exiting the group stage in consecutive World Cup campaigns.
“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position,” he said.
The resignation has been widely noted as a strong gesture of accountability in Saudi football. The move comes amid criticism following the team’s performance, despite broader progress in the sport within the Kingdom.
Elections for a new SAFF board are expected to follow.
