Saudi Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal has resigned following the national team’s elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Misehal announced his decision on social media, saying he was taking full responsibility after Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points. The team drew against Uruguay and Cape Verde before losing to Spain, ending its World Cup campaign without a victory.
“The national team’s failure to qualify for the next round of the World Cup falls short of all our ambitions,” Al-Misehal said. He added that stepping down would allow the federation to begin “a new phase” before the end of his current term.
Al-Misehal served as president of the Saudi Football Federation for seven years and played a leading role in Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia were making their third consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. However, preparations for the tournament were disrupted after the federation replaced head coach Herve Renard with Georgios Donis less than two months before the competition began.
The disappointing campaign comes despite major investment in Saudi football in recent years. Backed by government support, Saudi clubs have signed internationally renowned players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s football landscape.
