By Peter Omopo
The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, has resigned following Saudi Arabia’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Misehal announced his decision in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, taking full responsibility for the Green Falcons’ failure to progress beyond the group stage.
Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points after recording draws against Uruguay (1-1) and Cape Verde (0-0), before suffering a 4-0 defeat to 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,” Al-Misehal said.
He added that stepping down was the responsible course of action, saying the federation needed an opportunity to begin a new chapter.
“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 stated.
Al-Misehal served as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for seven years and played a key role in securing Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a major component of the kingdom’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Saudi Arabia was making its third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance in this year’s tournament.
The resignation comes months after French coach Hervé Renard left his position following a series of disappointing results in pre-tournament friendly matches. Renard had returned for a second spell after replacing Italian coach Roberto Mancini.
Over the past three years, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football, committing nearly $2 billion to the sport while attracting global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League in a bid to elevate the country’s football profile on the global stage.
