Al-Farraj questions Saudi Arabia’s squad depth ahead of Gulf Cup and Asian Cup

Saudi Arabia’s national team does not currently offer enough reason for optimism before the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, according to Saudi media figure Waleed Al-Farraj.

Saudi Arabia were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the group stage after finishing bottom of Group H with two points. They drew with Uruguay and Cape Verde, but suffered a 4-0 defeat by Spain.

Al-Farraj posted his assessment on his personal account on X, writing: “The state of the Saudi national team before the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup does not invite optimism about competing, at least in either tournament.”

Saudi Arabia will host the Arabian Gulf Cup “Khaleeji 27” in September and October this year. The country is also due to stage the AFC Asian Cup 2027 at the start of next year.

Al-Farraj said the national team’s difficulties were linked to the growing presence of overseas players in domestic football and suggested the issue would eventually lead to a reassessment of the current regulations.

“After that, we will reach the conclusion that the number of foreign players in the Saudi league should be reduced,” he added. “The crisis of the ‘Green’ team, caused by a shortage of talent, has been brought about by the excessive signing of foreign players at every level.”

His comments come amid continuing debate in Saudi Arabia over the number of non-Saudi players permitted in the Roshn Saudi League. The permitted number has recently risen to 10, with eight players allowed at any age level and a further two restricted to players under the age of 21.

The policy has been the subject of discussion as Saudi football continues to attract overseas players across its domestic divisions. Al-Farraj’s argument is that the increased opportunities for foreign footballers have contributed to a lack of suitable locally developed players for the national side.

Saudi Arabia’s immediate focus will be on the Arabian Gulf Cup, which will be played on home soil before the team turns its attention to the Asian Cup early next year. The tournaments will provide the next major opportunities for the national team following its disappointing World Cup campaign.

The national side have not won a major title for 23 years. Their most recent success came at the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2003.

Since then, Saudi Arabia’s best achievement was reaching the final of the AFC Asian Cup in 2007. They were beaten by Iraq in that match.

The national team’s lack of silverware, combined with its early exit from the 2026 World Cup, has intensified scrutiny of the structure of Saudi football and the balance between developing domestic talent and recruiting foreign players. Al-Farraj believes the upcoming home tournaments will show whether the current squad can compete at the level expected of Saudi Arabia.