RIYADH — Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis has acknowledged that the influx of foreign stars into the Saudi Pro League has reduced opportunities for local players, but believes the experience of training and competing alongside elite talent could ultimately benefit the Green Falcons at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, the Kingdom’s clubs have attracted some of football’s biggest names, including Karim Benzema and Neymar, helping raise the league’s global profile and competitive level.However, the rapid influx of foreign talent has also limited playing time for many Saudi players, a factor some observers have linked to the national team’s recent struggles.A challenge for the national teamSaudi Arabia failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup and only booked its place through the playoffs, edging Iraq on goal difference.The team’s inconsistent performances led to the departure of former coach Hervé Renard during his second spell in charge, with Donis appointed less than two months before the tournament.Speaking on the sidelines of last month’s AFC Asian Cup draw, Donis admitted the changing landscape of Saudi football has created challenges for the national team.”We know that Saudi players no longer have the same opportunities they had in the past,” he said.”We need players to play regularly. We need them to have a better rhythm and pace because that is very important in football.”Finding positives in changeDespite those concerns, Donis believes Saudi players have benefited from sharing dressing rooms and training grounds with some of the world’s top footballers.”The Saudis have learned from many highly experienced players, and that is extremely positive,” he said.The Greek coach expressed confidence in the quality of his squad despite facing one of the toughest groups at the tournament.Saudi Arabia, a three-time Asian champion, has been drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H.”Saudi national team players have great talent,” Donis said. “We can give our best.”Lessons from QatarSaudi Arabia stunned the football world at the 2022 World Cup by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.Yet the Green Falcons failed to advance from the group stage after defeats to Poland and Mexico.Saudi Arabia will make its seventh World Cup appearance in the United States, the same country where it achieved its best-ever result by reaching the Round of 16 in 1994.With the tournament now expanded to 48 teams and eight third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage, hopes remain high that the Green Falcons can again reach the latter rounds.However, experts believe regular playing time for national team players remains a key factor.
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis has acknowledged that the influx of foreign stars into the Saudi Pro League has reduced opportunities for local players, but believes the experience of training and competing alongside elite talent could ultimately benefit the Green Falcons at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, the Kingdom’s clubs have attracted some of football’s biggest names, including Karim Benzema and Neymar, helping raise the league’s global profile and competitive level.However, the rapid influx of foreign talent has also limited playing time for many Saudi players, a factor some observers have linked to the national team’s recent struggles.A challenge for the national teamSaudi Arabia failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup and only booked its place through the playoffs, edging Iraq on goal difference.The team’s inconsistent performances led to the departure of former coach Hervé Renard during his second spell in charge, with Donis appointed less than two months before the tournament.Speaking on the sidelines of last month’s AFC Asian Cup draw, Donis admitted the changing landscape of Saudi football has created challenges for the national team.”We know that Saudi players no longer have the same opportunities they had in the past,” he said.”We need players to play regularly. We need them to have a better rhythm and pace because that is very important in football.”Finding positives in changeDespite those concerns, Donis believes Saudi players have benefited from sharing dressing rooms and training grounds with some of the world’s top footballers.”The Saudis have learned from many highly experienced players, and that is extremely positive,” he said.The Greek coach expressed confidence in the quality of his squad despite facing one of the toughest groups at the tournament.Saudi Arabia, a three-time Asian champion, has been drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H.”Saudi national team players have great talent,” Donis said. “We can give our best.”Lessons from QatarSaudi Arabia stunned the football world at the 2022 World Cup by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.Yet the Green Falcons failed to advance from the group stage after defeats to Poland and Mexico.Saudi Arabia will make its seventh World Cup appearance in the United States, the same country where it achieved its best-ever result by reaching the Round of 16 in 1994.With the tournament now expanded to 48 teams and eight third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage, hopes remain high that the Green Falcons can again reach the latter rounds.However, experts believe regular playing time for national team players remains a key factor.
