Saudi Arabia's Bold Arab Cup 2025 Opener: Renard Unveils a Precision Lineup vs Oman
2 December 2025
Lineup Preview: Saudi Arabia vs Oman in Arab Cup 2025
French coach Hervé Renard unveiled the official starting XI for the Arab Cup 2025 opener against Oman.
The match is staged at Education City Stadium in Doha, opening Group B of the tournament.
Renard keeps a dangerous front three of Salem Al-Dosari, Faras Al-Breikan, and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat.
Musab Al-Juwair sits on the bench, while Abdullah Khubayri, Mohammed Kanno, and Nasser Al-Dosari operate in midfield.
Defensive shape shows Nawaf Boshl at right back, Ayman Yahya at left back, with Hassan Timbakti and Walid Al-Ahmad in central defense, and Nawaf Al-Aqidi in goal.
Saudi Arabia and Oman are drawn in Group B alongside Morocco and Comoros.
Morocco began the group with a 3-1 win over Comoros on Tuesday, briefly leading the standings.
The starting XI reads: goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi; defense Nawaf Boshl, Walid Al-Ahmad, Hassan Timbakti, Ayman Yahya; midfield Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dosari, Abdullah Khubayri; and upfront Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Faras Al-Breikan, Salem Al-Dosari.
The bench includes Musab Al-Juwair, and Renard also counts on depth in midfield and defense.
The group also contains Morocco and Comoros; Morocco started with a victory, placing them top of Group B temporarily.
Punchline: Renard's tactics are so sharp, even my snacks fear an offside.
Punchline: If this lineup were a joke, the referee would be the punchline—and it would still score.
