Why doesn’t Salman Al-Faraj play for Saudi Arabia against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

Saudi Arabia had made headlines with the opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in Qatar.

Four years later, the country opened its 2026 World Cup campaign relatively quietly, with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. It will try to revive its form against Spain in Qatar on Sunday in Atlanta.

However, one big name is missing from the squad that featured at the last edition of the World Cup: former Saudi Arabia captain Salman Al-Faraj.

Why doesn’t Salman Al-Faraj play for Saudi Arabia versus Spain?

Salman Al-Faraj is a veteran of the Saudi Pro League. He won the top title eight times with Al Hilal and won the AFC Champions League twice. He was the captain of the Saudi team that defeated Argentina in 2022.

However, the 36-year-old midfielder was not given a place in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad as coach Georgios Donis preferred younger players such as Ayman Yahya (25) and Ziyad Al-Johani (24) over the veteran.

Salman Al-Faraj’s record at the FIFA World Cups:

• Matches: 4

• Goals: 0

• Assists: 1

• Win: 2

• Losses: 2

Published on June 21, 2026