Saudi Federation President Al-Misehal resigns after leaving the World Cup

Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, resigned from his position on Sunday following the national team’s early exit from the World Cup.

The Saudis finished bottom of Group H with two points, being eliminated after drawing against both Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing to Spain.

“The inability of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that does not meet all our ambitions,” Al-Misehal wrote on social media.

“I take full responsibility for it and apologize to anyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.

“Based on my belief that responsibility requires providing space for a new phase, I have decided not to continue until the end of the current term.”

Al-Misehal has served in this role for seven years and was deeply involved in Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to win the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi Arabia were competing in their third consecutive World Cup and seventh overall, but preparations were set by the decision to replace Hervé Renard with Georgios Donis less than two months before the tournament started.

The results come after the government poured huge sums into the sport in recent years, with Saudi clubs signing high-profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior in a bid to raise standards in the country.

Published on June 29, 2026