From World Cup Hero to a Quiet Night: Salem Al-Dawsari’s Struggles in the 2026 Qualifiers
Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari, once the breakout star of the 2022 World Cup, struggles to make an impact in the opening AFC Asian Qualifiers for 2026 against Indonesia. He starts but looks detached, delivering modest numbers and failing to translate activity into goals. The piece analyzes his stat line, missed chances, and the coaching influence on his role, contrasting past glories with present form. It also previews the road ahead for a team counting on a comeback from its talisman.