Going up against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde in Group H, Saudi Arabia is aiming to produce another shocker in the 2026 World Cup like it did back in 2022, where it beat eventual champions Argentina. Ready to make history on this tournament, The Green Falcons could eye the latter stages of the tournament as a possibility despite what their FIFA World Rankings say about them.
As of now, Saudi Arabia sit in 60th place in the FIFA ranking. In fact, thanks to South Africa’s loss in the 2026 World Cup opener, Saudi Arabia leapfrogged them. Not that it actually closed the gap too much compared to group rivals Uruguay and Spain, but at least good vibes come into the team.
All people remember Saudi Arabia’s epic comeback against Argentina in 2022, where they ended up beating them 2-1. However, the Green Falcons will want to do better, as they still ended up as last in the group back then, losing their next two games.
Saudi Arabia’s best ranking of all time
The highest-ever ranking Saudi Arabia has held in FIFA is the 21st spot, which came in July 1998. However, in terms of World Cups, its best finish came in 1994 where the team reached the Round of 16.
Saudi Arabia had a historically-high 21st spot in FIFA Rankings in 1998
Many of Saudi Arabian players play in the much-renewed Saudi Pro League, where figures like Cristiano Ronaldo play weekly. Hence, the players are used to facing top-level competition. They just need to translate this into the World Cup stage.
World Cup Group H’s FIFA Rankings
Saudi Arabia comes at third place in terms of FIFA Rankings in contrast to their group rivals. Spain and Uruguay are both better placed, but Cape Verde and their 40-year-old sensation Vozinha come in at last:
- Spain – 3rd
- Uruguay – 17th
- Saudi Arabia – 60th
- Cape Verde – 64th
