Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Yasser Al-Misehal has resigned as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) following the national team's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to his seven-year tenure at the helm of Saudi football.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, June 29, 2026, Al-Misehal said he was taking full responsibility for the Green Falcons' disappointing campaign and acknowledged that the team's failure to reach the knockout stage had fallen far short of the ambitions of Saudi football and its supporters. "The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position," he wrote. "A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term." He confirmed that procedures would begin to open nominations for the election of a new board of directors in accordance with federation regulations and expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of Saudi football.
Saudi Arabia's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after the team finished bottom of Group H with just two points from three matches. The Green Falcons opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, raising brief hopes of qualification, but then suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to European champions Spain before a goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their final group game sealed their elimination. The result means Saudi Arabia has now failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of its last six World Cup appearances. The Kingdom's only qualification for the knockout rounds remains its memorable run to the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States during its tournament debut.
The resignation follows mounting criticism of the federation after Saudi Arabia's third consecutive group-stage exit at a World Cup. Supporters, former players, and media figures have called for sweeping changes within Saudi football ahead of the AFC Asian Cup next year and the Kingdom's hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Former Al-Hilal president Prince Abdul Rahman bin Musaid described the team's displays as deeply frustrating and said a new national team should begin to be built with an eye toward 2034. Saudi coach and television analyst Ibrahim Al-Angari said the problems extended far beyond the results in the United States, citing shortcomings in player development, squad selection, technical decisions, and long-term planning. Sports journalist Battal Al-Qoos had also sharply criticized the federation's record, saying Saudi national teams had suffered repeated failures during the current board's seven-year tenure and calling for the leadership to step down.
Questions have also been raised about the impact of the Saudi Pro League's rapid transformation into a global competition filled with international stars. Critics argue that young Saudi players have struggled to secure playing opportunities and development pathways, contributing to a shortage of top-class local talent and an overreliance on veteran captain Salem Al-Dawsari. The federation also faced criticism for appointing coach Georgios Donis only weeks before the tournament following the departure of Herve Renard, a move many viewed as evidence of instability and inadequate long-term planning.
Despite the resignation, Al-Misehal played a central role in Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's strategy to diversify an economy heavily dependent on oil. The wealthy Gulf monarchy has invested nearly two billion dollars in football over the last three years, luring Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, now one of the most lucrative competitions in the world. Saudi Arabia now turns its attention to the AFC Asian Cup, which it will host next year, with fans demanding significant improvements and a first continental title since 1996. Al-Misehal said that although he was leaving office, he would remain a loyal servant of the Kingdom and continue supporting Saudi sport in any capacity.
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