The Final Dance: Will World Cup 2026 Crown Salem Al-Dosari or End a Dream Run?
16 October 2025
The Final Dance
Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup stands as a lifeline for captain Salem Al-Dosari, a longtime leader for the Green and a star of Al-Hilal. This could serve as a defining farewell chapter on the World Cup stage as the United States, Canada, and Mexico host next summer.
This isn’t Al-Dosari’s first World Cup campaign. He has worn the national jersey on football’s grand stage before, and while the upcoming tournament might be his last as captain, the hope is that he still has one more moment of magic in him under the global spotlight.
Al-Dosari helped steer the team to qualification, despite public critiques that labeled him a hero and a star who must deliver in big games. Fans expect the extraordinary; the man who often makes the difference in crucial moments remains under the microscope as the World Cup threshold approaches.
He didn’t go through these qualifiers unscathed, but appearing at the World Cup could be the perfect stage for him to remind everyone of his quality and elevate his legacy among the all-time greats.
A Last Chance for the Captain
As veteran stars do, major tournaments can be their final grand statements. They push hard to leave an indelible mark and guide their teams to rare feats, crafting memories that outlive a single season. For Al-Dosari, the 2026 edition carries heightened expectations and a broader stage—especially with a World Cup format that expands to 48 teams.
The 34-year-old full of international caps aims to add another memorable moment, perhaps one that echoes his famous strike against a world champion nation. His record sits at 24 goals in 97 appearances, with seven assists to boot, along with three World Cup goals across six appearances—ambitions for a more impactful third World Cup campaign.
Beyond scoring and creation, his contributions must carry weight and meaning. The Green hope to press beyond the group stage, riding the new format’s potential to advance further than the traditional knockout line.
Qualifying Moments and Hopes
Al-Dosari’s story intertwines with ongoing stories of teammates and rivals as he nears the twilight of an international career. The captain’s leadership and resilience are seen as keys to the team’s ability to push into the later stages of a highly competitive tournament.
On the award front, Al-Dosari has been nominated for Asia’s Player of the Year for a second time, just hours before the ceremony in Riyadh. The event showcases 20 awards, led by Best Player, highlighting the region’s top talents and the broader ambitions of Saudi football in this era of growth.
Al-Dosari’s presence at a press conference came as Afif was absent, and while Afif’s teammate was absent or present at different times, the spotlight remained on the captain’s views about the team’s path to the World Cup and the external pressures that come with such expectations.
When asked about the road ahead, Al-Dosari expressed gratitude to the leadership and the Saudi people for supporting the qualification, and he stated that the achievement reflects the team’s high quality. He also admitted pushing through injuries to contribute during the Asian playoff run, emphasizing his responsibility as captain and his willingness to give his all on the field. The sentiment: world-class players perform under pressure, and a World Cup appearance remains the ultimate platform.
Punchline time: If football were poetry, Al-Dosari would be the guy who raps in the rain—still delivering rhythm when the pitch is slippery. Punchline two: When asked if this is his last World Cup, he grins and says, “Only if the whistle forgets to blow.”
