Saudi Arabia 2022 World Cup squad: Roster, outlook, top players

Saudi Arabia qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team won the final round of AFC World cup qualifying with a win over Australia. It is the second-lowest-ranked team to reach the World Cups this year. Manager Hervé Renard has only reached the knockout stage once before, back in 1994. Saudi Arabia will play Argentina, Poland and Mexico in the qualifiers.

Hervé Renard will be the Saudi Arabia's coach in 2022 World Cup.

Salem Al-Dawsari was the primary goal scorer in qualifying with seven in 13 matches. He will have to regain form after an injury kept him out of several pre-tournament friendlies.

Yasser Al-Shahrani is a versatile defender who plays at left back for the Green Falcons. He was one of Saudi Arabia's most consistent players during qualifying, starting 15 matches and aiding a defense that allowed just 10 goals.

Salman Al-Faraj hurt his shoulder in a recent friendly vs. Iceland. The 33-year-old Al Hilal player is one of the most experienced members of Saudi Arabia's team. He captained the team for the last three World Cups.

Firas Al-Buraikan is the main man at Saudi side Al Fetah. He broke into the national team in 2019 and scored game-winning goals in consecutive qualifiers against Japan and China. Al Buraikans poor form in fall friendlies left the starting spot up for grabs.

Saudi Arabia made its sixth World Cup appearance in 2018. The last time they played a World cup was in 1994.

Saudi Arabia is in a tough group with Argentina, Mexico and Poland. They have had more success globally than other Asian nations. Their compact formation will be put to the test by Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohamed Al Owais and Mohamed al-Yami are the goalkeeper.

Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Mohammed Al Breik, Ali Al Bulaihi, Sultan Al Ghanam, Yasser Al Shahrani, Abdullah Madu and Hassan Tambakti are the defenders.

MIDFIELDERS: Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Nasser Al Dawsari, Salem AlDawsar, Salman al-Faraj, Ali Al Hassan, Abdulelah Al Malki, Hattan Bahebri, Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Otayf, and Riyadh Sharahili.

Firas Al-Buraikan, Fahad Al Muwallad, Saleh Al Alhilal, Haitham Asiri and Fahd AlMuwalla are the forwards.