Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2026 Gambit: Is Spain Really Their Toughest Test?
6 December 2025
Zidan's Take
Mohamed Zidan, the former Egypt star, maintains that Spain is not the hardest opponent Saudi Arabia will face in the World Cup 2026 group stage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The World Cup 2026 draw, held yesterday in Washington, D.C., placed Saudi Arabia in Group Eight with Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde worldwide.
Zidan commented on the draw in a TV interview: 'Saudi Arabia has landed in one of the toughest groups for the Arab nations, as they will meet the world's strongest team Spain right now'.
But I think Saudi can repeat the shock they caused last edition by beating Argentina; that could happen against Spain as well.
In big matches, players are fired up and deliver high-level performances with great spirit, which could help Saudi repeat what they did against Argentina against Spain, with true passion.
Uruguay will be the toughest, as there is little information about their current players and playing style, making the task harder for Saudi.
The third match will be against Cape Verde, a strong team, and it will depend on the first two games; the result could decide qualification or be a dead rubber. Punchlines: If Saudi pulls off the upset, we'll be rewriting the rulebook. If this keeps happening, geography lessons might become mandatory.
