Green Knights Strike First: Saudi Arabia’s Bold Start in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers

Lineups, Stakes, and the Setting

Saudi Arabia, coached by Hervé Renard, named a starting XI built on a blend of seasoned pros and young talents for the AFC World Cup Qualifiers opener against Indonesia at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The squad blends veteran knowhow with fresh faces as Renard targets a strong start on the road to the 2026 finals.

Key attacking pieces for the Green Army include Salem Al-Dosari, Salah Abu Al-Shamat, and Faris Al-Breikan, while Nawaf Aqidi takes the gloves. In defense, Nawaf Boshl, Hassan Tambakti, Jihad Zakari, and Muteb Al-Harbi marshal the back line, with Abdullah Khairy and Musab Al-Juwair anchoring midfield alongside Nasser Al-Dosari.

Starting XI and Substitutes

In midfield, Renard deploys Abdullah Khairy, Musab Al-Juwair, and Nasser Al-Dosari to support a dangerous frontline of Al-Dosari, Al-Breikan, and Abu Al-Shamat. On the bench are several ready-made options, ensuring a dynamic approach should the need arise during the match.

Saudi Arabia enters the match in optimal physical and technical condition, a rarity in recent months hampered by injuries, and ready to push for a decisive early result against Indonesia. The opener doubles as a ladder toward the World Cup, with a subsequent fixture against Iraq on the same venue looming next Tuesday.

Match context and stakes

The game is part of the AFC Asia World Cup Qualifiers, where the top team in the group earns direct qualification, while the runner-up faces a playoff to reach the global playoffs.

Lineup breakdown

Indonesia’s starting XI was announced as Martin Bays in goal, with a backline featuring Edzis (captain) and others, and ahead of them Beckham Putra and Oratmanjuan leading the attack, with Jay Edwards providing support in midfield.

Historical edge

Historically, Saudi Arabia holds a clear advantage in the series, leading 12 wins to Indonesia’s 3 with 1 draw in 16 meetings. Saudi Arabia has netted 45 goals to Indonesia’s 8 in those clashes, dating back to the 1980 opener in Riyadh (an 8-0 Saudi victory) and a notable Indonesian win in late 2024 that adds a dash of revenge narrative to this fixture.

Market values and star power

According to Transfermarkt, the Saudi squad is valued around €30.60 million, slightly ahead of Indonesia’s €29.45 million. Top Saudi asset Faris Al-Breikan is valued at €4.5 million, followed by Musab Al-Juwair and others. On the Indonesian side, Jay Edwards, Dylan Dicks, and Caleb Vindor standout as the most valuable players, underscoring a high-stakes balance on the pitch in Jeddah.

Attendance and atmosphere

Tickets sold out rapidly, with an expected attendance of about 65,000 at the Enma/King Abdullah venue. The organizer reported blocking around 6,000 counterfeit tickets and deploying an advanced electronic system to secure the sale and entry process, setting the stage for a memorable crowd-driven night in the city of red-hot football fever.

Chasing a flawless start

The Saudi players know that a flawless start is crucial in this round, where a misstep could complicate the path toward the global playoffs. The opening victory would set a confident tone for the rest of the group, especially with the looming danger of a tough playoff route if the lead slips away early.

In short, Saudi Arabia’s tactical setup, star power, and a feverish home crowd create a compelling canvas as Renard’s project looks to translate potential into a first meaningful entry on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Sniper punchline: If Renard’s plan were a newsletter, it would come with a subscription—guaranteed goals, minimal injuries, and no pesky cliffhangers. Punchline 2: The ball might be fast, but the green wave in Jeddah will be faster—stick around, folks, because the whistle hasn’t even started singing yet.