Saudi Arabia’s early FIFA World Cup exit prompts federation chief to resign

Saudi Arabia, the three-time Asian champions, finish bottom of Group H with two points from three games.The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced his resignation after the national team were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the first round.Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, a goalless draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde and a heavy 4-0 defeat to title favourites Spain.“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. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position,” Yasser al-Misehal wrote on X late on Sunday.“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 added.Yasser al-Misehal, centre, with FIFA Council Senior Vice President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, left, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino [Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters]As the head of the federation for seven years, al-Misehal played a central role in Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, a cornerstone of its strategy to diversify an economy heavily dependent on oil.Saudi Arabia were playing in their third consecutive World Cup this year. The three-time Asian champions haven’t reached the knockout stages since a round of 16 finish in 1994.Saudi Arabia were among the seven Asian teams who were knocked out in the group stage as only Japan and Australia advanced to the round of 32.