Shadow Clubs steer Saudi to 2026 World Cup: the quiet engines behind a historic qualification
17 October 2025
Shadow Clubs Driving Saudi's World Cup Bid
Saudi Arabia sealed its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the seventh in its history, with a goalless draw against Iraq last Tuesday.
The Green topped the Asian play-off group, securing their place ahead of Iraq and Indonesia.
Behind the scenes, a layer of mid-tier clubs — often labeled as shadow clubs — played a crucial supporting role in this historic achievement, stabilizing the squad as it navigated a crowded field of foreign stars.
These clubs helped preserve Saudi talent in recent years, during a period when the league attracted global names and new opportunities, yet sometimes left local players waiting for chances. This is where the mid-tier teams stepped in, keeping players involved and hungry for success.
Koora shines a light on the middle clubs that contributed to this success amid a sea of foreigners.
The Brikan and Al Fateh
Firas Al-Briqan, initially denied opportunities at Al-Nassr, moved to Al-Fateh where he proved himself and later joined Al-Ahli. He became one of the Hawks' standout scorers and a trusted member of the squad Hervé Renard relied on during the Asian qualifiers.
Abroad, Al-Ahli’s star shone in the victory over Indonesia, with a brace in the 36th and 62nd minutes, earning him the match’s top rating of 9.2 out of 10 for his frequent shooting attempts (4).
Al-Briqan also created three clear scoring chances and earned five fouls, underscoring his influence in attack. This was the second time he netted twice in a single match for Saudi, following a previous double against Pakistan in June 2024.
Musab Al-Jawaer and Al-Qadsiah
Musab Al-Jawaer’s name appeared in the Saudi squad list as the qualifiers approached, thanks to more playing time with Al-Qadsiah. His time with the club, and with the youth system, helped him break into the national team setup.
He joined Al-Qadsiah after a stint with Al-Shabab, where a shift in coaches and tactical plans limited his minutes, allowing the midfielder to flourish with the eastern club and earn a chance with the Green.
Under Renard, Al-Jawaer became a valuable part of the broader midfield plan, contributing with solid ball distribution and work rate within the line of engagement.
Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Al Fateh
Nawaf Al-Aqidi faced a challenging spell stabilizing his place at a top club, eventually moving on loan to Al Fateh where he rediscovered his form. His performances helped him return to the Saudi fold and become a regular starter for the national team, especially in crucial qualifiers as the Green chased a World Cup berth.
Al-Aqidi’s intervention against Iraq, among others, drew widespread praise in Saudi media and among fans, reinforcing his status as a key figure for the generation, and earning him recognition for his bravery and timing in goal.
Saudi’s journey to the 2026 World Cup, made possible by the blend of established stars and the steady stream of talent from the shadow clubs, demonstrates how a national project can be reinforced by a robust network of mid-tier teams feeding opportunity, development, and confidence to its core players.
Ultimately, the tale of these clubs is a reminder that in football as in life, small gears often drive the biggest wheels—and sometimes they do it with style, not noise.
Two lighthearted reminders from the field: first, if you think your club is small, remember that even a shadow can cast a long shadow on the global stage. Second, talent might travel, but the real magic happens when a solid midfield and a smart coach meet at the right time.
