In 2022, Saudi Arabia pulled off what was perhaps the biggest surprise of the World Cup: a 2–1 victory over Argentina, who went on to win the tournament. Under the guidance of experienced coach Hervé Renard, who returned from managing the French women’s national team in 2024, the team is set to spring another surprise in 2026.

Coach Herve Donis has named three goalkeepers for the Green Falcons: Mohammed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Ahmed Al-Kassar. Saudi Arabia will face Uruguay, Cape Verde and Spain in Group H. The trio represent three very different stages of their careers, but share a common history: all three were part of the squad’s immediate circle at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, though only Al-Owais played. Four years on, the picture is different, and the question of who will be number one is more intriguing than ever.

Al-Owais is 34 years old, was born in Al-Hasa, and is the man whose name will forever be linked to one of the biggest World Cup upsets in history. On 22 November 2022, he stood between the posts against Argentina, making several saves against Messi and his teammates, conceding no further goals after going behind early on, and was named man of the match as Saudi Arabia won 2–1. Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run was over. Rumour has it that the entire team was subsequently presented with a Rolls-Royce.

What has happened since then is more complicated. At Al-Hilal, he slipped to the bench behind the younger Abdullah Al-Mayuf, making only a few league appearances in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. In July 2025, he left Al-Hilal on a free transfer and joined Al-Ula in the Saudi First Division League, the second tier, where he has been playing regularly again this season, making 25 league appearances with ten clean sheets. The fact that Donis has named him as first-choice goalkeeper despite the club’s relegation is based on his experience, leadership qualities and the trust placed in a man who helped Saudi Arabia cause a sensation at the 2022 World Cup. With over 60 international caps and three AFC Champions League titles with Al-Hilal, he is the most experienced goalkeeper in the trio, regardless of his current club situation.

Al-Aqidi is 26 years old, was born in Riyadh and is a product of the Al-Nassr academy, where he has been under contract since 2019, currently until 2028. The plan was clear: following loan spells at Al-Tai and Al-Fateh, he was set to develop into Al-Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo and other world-class foreign players in the squad, the club opted for the Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, who was preferred to Al-Aqidi. This season, Al-Aqidi has made twelve league appearances, mainly when Bento is rested or rotated. With 22 international caps since 2023, he is the second-most experienced goalkeeper at international level, possesses the physical attributes and tactical understanding of a modern goalkeeper, and is significantly more settled at international level than at club level. This World Cup is his second after Qatar 2022 and an opportunity to show what he can do on the biggest stage.

Al-Kassar is 34 years old, hails from Qatif, and has taken one of the most unlikely paths to the World Cup squad. For more than a decade, he played for Al-Raed, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Faisaly without ever catching the eye of the national team. His international debut did not come until 2024, when he was over 32 years old. What stood out on his journey there: at Al-Faisaly, he became only the fifth goalkeeper in the history of the Saudi Professional League to provide an assist, after moving forward from his line during a corner kick, contrary to his manager’s instructions. He has been playing for Al-Qadsiah since January 2024 and is their first-choice goalkeeper. This season, he has featured in 20 league matches. The World Cup is his first and probably only one at this level.