Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal has announced that he will not continue in his position, accepting responsibility for Saudi Arabia’s failure to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued early Monday, Al Misehal said he bears full responsibility for the national team’s World Cup campaign, acknowledging that the result fell short of expectations and apologising to Saudi fans.
He said his belief in accountability and the need to open the door to a new phase led him to step aside before the end of the current board’s term.
Al Misehal added that, in line with the applicable regulations and procedures, nominations will open for the election of a new Board of Directors.
He said the current board had done everything possible to serve Saudi football and meet the aspirations of the nation and its supporters, but stressed that the team’s failure to reach the next round required taking responsibility.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after the team collected two points from three matches. The Green Falcons opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, suffered a 4-0 defeat to Spain, and ended their campaign with a goalless draw against tournament debutant Cape Verde.
The result left Saudi Arabia fourth in Group H and marked another group-stage exit for the national team. The Kingdom’s only appearance in the knockout rounds remains its historic run to the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
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