Green Falcons Recall: Al-Amri Seizes a Golden Chance to Prove He Belongs

Recall Lifts Al-Amri to the Green Falcons

Abdulilah Al-Amri, the dependable defender from Al Nassr, has been called up to the Saudi national team camp in Jeddah as the Green Falcons tune up for the Asian playoff that could propel them to the 2026 World Cup.

The squad will assemble for camp ahead of two crucial fixtures: a match against Indonesia on Wednesday and a date with Iraq on October 14, both set to take place at the Enmaar Stadium as part of the second group phase of the Asian qualifiers.

The Asian Football Confederation’s playoff system states that the group winners advance directly to the World Cup 2026, while the runners-up must navigate an intercontinental playoff in March to book a final ticket to the global showpiece.

So far, six Asian nations have secured spots in 2026: Japan, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan, leaving room for a tense scramble among others, including Saudi Arabia, to push through with Al-Amri in the squad.

Coach Herve Renard announced the recall just hours after the camp opened, prompted by an illness affecting Hassan Tambakti and a rehabilitation program for Mohammed Suleiman Bakr following an injury sustained in the Al Ahli vs Al Duhail match in the AFC Champions League for the Elite teams. With defenders Jihad Zikri and Saad Al-Mousa sidelined, Renard turned to Al Nassr for depth in the back line.

International Experience

Al-Amri brings a wealth of international experience, having first appeared for the Green Falcons at the end of 2018 and earning his first senior cap on March 25, 2021, as a substitute in a friendly against Kuwait in preparation for World Cup 2022 qualifiers in Qatar.

He briefly stepped away from the national team due to a string of injuries since late 2023, returning in the last two qualifiers against Bahrain and Australia as part of the third stage of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 edition.

He also featured in the Gold Cup campaign, helping Saudi Arabia reach the quarterfinals before losing to Mexico. Across all competitions, Al-Amri has worn the green shirt in 30 matches, including appearances in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—both as a substitute against Argentina and as a starter against Poland and Mexico.

Club Form and Role

Last season, Al-Amri played a significant role during a loan spell at Al-Ittihad, contributing to the club’s two major trophies in the Roshn Saudi League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. He has since returned to Al Nassr, featuring in five matches so far this season and delivering crucial defensive stability with only one goal conceded while he was on the pitch.

His competitive edge and international exposure have made him a trusted option for Renard as the team navigates a challenging qualifying route toward World Cup 2026.

Messages to the Fans

Al-Amri has publicly apologized to Al Nassr supporters through X, citing personal family circumstances as a factor in any past tensions, and reaffirming his commitment to the club and the national team. He invited fans to trust his dedication, insisting that every time he wears the Saudi shirt, he gives his all, with brighter days ahead, God willing.

The player even addressed criticism during the recent derby against Al-Ittihad, a match the team won 2-0, and he asked for fans’ forgiveness in a separate clash with Al Nassr’s southern rivals, with Ronaldo himself reportedly mediating to ease the tension.

In the end, the recall underscores a broader theme: in a tight race to reach a World Cup staged in a few years, depth and resilience in defense could make all the difference, and Al-Amri is ready to prove he belongs on the roster—on and off the pitch.

And as the internet might say: if football were a test, Al-Amri just brought extra pencils. If it were a comedy show, Renard would be rolling with laughter at his last-minute heroics. Either way, the defense just got a little spicier, and the Green Falcons could use a dash of that spice to spice up the World Cup dream.