The president of Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation, Yasser al-Misehal, has tendered his resignation following the country’s group stage elimination at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Green Falcons were knocked out of the World Cup in the first round. They held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw before losing 4-0 to Spain in their second group game. Needing a win in their final group H game to progress, the Saudis played out a goalless draw with Cape Verde and were knocked out.
“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,” Yasser al-Misehal wrote on X on Sunday.
“I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position. 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 concluded.
The football administrator went ahead to thank the Saudi Government through the Sports ministry for the opportunity to serve, stressing that he will continue to support everything that contributes to the elevation and success of Saudi sports.
Their best outing at the FIFA World Cup remains a round of 16 appearance at USA 1994.
Saudi Arabia, who were playing in their third consecutive World Cup this year, will hope to return for the 2030 event ahead of the home tournament in 2034.
