Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup. It was one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2026 Saudi Arabia Preview history. In 2026, they are placed in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde. The giant killers are back.
THE 2022 ARGENTINA RESULT
On November 22, 2022 in Lusail, Qatar, Saudi Arabia came from 1-0 down at halftime to beat the eventual world champions Argentina 2-1. Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored in the second half. Three Argentina goals were disallowed for offside. The tactical discipline, the high-line offside trap and the belief Saudi Arabia showed in those 90 minutes remains one of the tournament's defining moments.
Saudi Arabia went on to lose their other two group games and were eliminated. But the Argentina result confirmed they can beat anyone in a single match.
SAUDI ARABIA'S GROUP
Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde.
Saudi Arabia's group schedule:
MD1: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, June 15, San Francisco Bay Area
MD2: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, June 21, Atlanta
MD3: Saudi Arabia vs. Cape Verde, June 26 (simultaneous with Spain vs. Uruguay)
THE SPAIN CHALLENGE
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta is one of the group stage's most intriguing matchups. Spain are the tournament favorites. Saudi Arabia have proven they can upset anyone. The question is whether their 2022 result was tactical genius or fortunate circumstance.
If Saudi Arabia's high offside line works against Spain's possession-based attack the way it worked against Argentina in 2022, the result could shock the tournament again.
THE URUGUAY OPENER
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay on June 15 is the group's second game of the opening day. Uruguay are a strong South American side. Saudi Arabia need points from this game to have any hope of advancing beyond the group stage.
SAUDI INVESTMENT IN FOOTBALL
Saudi Arabia's domestic football league, the Saudi Pro League, has attracted many of the world's best players since 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and many others have played there. This investment has raised the overall quality environment for Saudi players who train alongside elite professionals.
Whether that domestic investment translates to improved national team performance at tournament level is one of the most interesting questions of the group stage.
KEY PLAYERS
Salem Al-Dawsari scored the winning goal against Argentina in 2022. He remains one of Saudi Arabia's most dangerous attacking players. Mohammed Al-Owais is their experienced goalkeeper. The team's tactical organization under their manager is their greatest collective asset.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Saudi Arabia advancing from Group H would require results against Uruguay and Cape Verde while Spain likely wins the group. A second-place finish is possible. The Cup of Nations format also gives them a wildcard route if they finish third with a good record.
Regardless of results in 2026, their 2022 achievement already secured their place in World Cup history.
