The transformation of the Saudi League into one of the most internationally recognizable football championships will be reflected in the 2026 World Cup. In addition to the Saudi national team, there will be Ballon d'Or winners, Champions League veterans, emerging stars from Asia and key figures from the main African teams competing in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer; the main division of Saudi Arabia will be represented on several continents.
Here, Al Arabiya English looks at the Saudi League players who look set to feature, and in many cases shine, in their countries' 2026 World Cup squads.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – Portugal
Even at 41 years old, Ronaldo remains one of the most striking faces in world football. The Al Nassr captain enters his sixth and final World Cup after winning the Saudi League title for the first time this season – becoming the first player to win domestic championships in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo finished the league campaign with 28 goals and will once again be Portugal's captain and central figure at the World Cup. He is the greatest goalscorer in the history of international football, with more than 140 goals for his country over a remarkable two-decade career.
Ivan Toney (Al Ahli) – England
Many questioned whether Toney's move to Saudi Arabia would harm his chances in the England squad. Instead, the striker arrives at the World Cup after one of the best seasons of his career. Toney finished second in the Saudi League Golden Boot race with 32 goals in 32 games, having become a central figure in an Al Ahli team that also won the AFC Champions League title for the second year running. His movement, retention play and instincts in the box offer England a different attacking profile alongside Harry Kane.
João Félix (Al Nassr) – Portugal
After some inconsistent years in European football, João Félix has shown a new side since his transfer to Al Nassr last summer. The Portuguese striker has become one of the most creative players in the Saudi League this season, combining effectively with compatriot Ronaldo while adding goals and unpredictability in the final stages. João Félix's form in Riyadh helped secure Nassr their first Saudi League title in seven years, as well as their place in Portugal's World Cup squad.
Rúben Neves (Al Hilal) – Portugal
One of the most influential midfielders in the Saudi League, Rúben Neves captained Al Hilal to an undefeated Saudi League campaign, underscoring his status as one of the most influential midfielders in the division. The Portuguese midfielder continues to be vital to Roberto Martinez's side due to his ability to dictate pace from rear areas, whilst his passing range and tactical discipline make him one of the team's most reliable players.
Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – Senegal
Mané arrives at the World Cup after another productive season alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, helping the club end their title drought in the Saudi League. The Senegal captain combined goals, assists and relentless pressure throughout the campaign, demonstrating why he remains one of the most celebrated African footballers. Senegal will look to the 34-year-old for leadership and attacking inspiration as the Teranga Lions attempt to equal the country's iconic 2002 quarter-final run.
Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli) – Senegal
Mendy's form at Al Ahli since his arrival three years ago has helped restore his reputation after a difficult period at Chelsea. The goalkeeper became one of just three players – alongside his Ahli team-mates Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez – to win the UEFA and AFC titles last season, and then played a key role in the Jeddah club's retention of the trophy this season.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) – Senegal
Koulibaly continues to anchor both Al Hilal and Senegal defensively. The defender enjoyed an unbeaten domestic campaign, combining his usual physicality with the authority and composure that has defined his career at the highest level of European and international football. For Senegal, he remains a calming and organizing influence at the heart of the defense as the Teranga Lions aim for another deep World Cup run.
Franck Kessié (Al Ahli) – Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast captain has become one of Al Ahli's most important midfielders in recent years. Kessié's athleticism and tactical intelligence have translated perfectly to the Saudi League, while his leadership is also central to the 2023 African champions. Kessié has already shown himself to be a player who relishes big chances, scoring in the final when Côte d'Ivoire won the CAN three years ago and also scoring in the AFC Champions League final as Ahli achieved their historic first victory in 2025.
Fabinho (Al Ittihad) – Brazil
Fabinho's experience and positional discipline continue to make him a crucial presence for both Al Ittihad and Brazil. The midfielder helped stabilize Ittihad during their victorious Saudi League campaign – including playing a central defensive role at times – and, although he is no longer a regular starter for Brazil, he brings substantial major tournament experience to Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad. He played for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup and won the Copa América in 2019.
Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli) – Brazil
Roger Ibañez has quietly developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the Saudi League. Strong in the air and aggressive in duels, the former Roma defender has become a cornerstone of Al Ahli's defense and now heads into the World Cup with Brazil as two-time continental champions with the Jeddah club.
Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah) – Mexico
After an excellent debut campaign in 2024-25, Quiñones has soared this season – scoring 33 goals in 31 games to overtake Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi League Golden Boot. The Al Qadsiah striker, with his speed, direction and predatory finishing, has become one of the league's most dangerous strikers and has been rewarded with a place in the host team as Mexico look to impress in their first home World Cup since 1986.
Merih Demiral (Al Ahli) – Turkey
Demiral's aggressive defensive and leadership qualities continue to be very important for Turkey. He cemented his status as a national hero during UEFA Euro 2024 when his two goals against Austria took Turkey to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. The defender had another strong campaign with Al Ahli, helping the club win the AFC Champions League again and forming one of the Saudi League's toughest defensive units alongside Roger Ibañez and Édouard Mendy.
Yusuf Akçiçek (Al Hilal) – Türkiye
At just 20, Akçiçek is among the youngest Saudi League players to go to the World Cup, although his first season at Al Hilal was uneven rather than transformative. The Turkish defender has made only a limited number of league appearances, with injuries and competition for places restricting his minutes. Still, its inclusion demonstrates Turkey's long-term belief in its potential.
Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq) – Scotland
Hendry is a reliable defensive option for Scotland after establishing himself in the Saudi League with Al Ettifaq. The defender has already won more than 40 international caps and was part of Scotland's UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 squads. His aerial strength and experience in tournament environments continue to make him a valuable option for Steve Clarke's side, who are playing in their first World Cup since 1998.
Ali Jasim (Al-Najma) – Iraq
Even though he is just 22 years old, Ali Jasim is considered one of Iraq's most promising attacking talents. The winger emerged as one of Iraq's standout young players during the 2023 Asian Cup and has continued to progress in Saudi Arabia with Al-Najma. His direct dribbling, creativity and ability to carry the ball in transition have already made him a key player for Iraq, despite his young age.
Ali Azaizeh (Al Shabab) – Jordan
Ali Azaizeh forced his way into the World Cup squad after an impressive spell with Al Shabab since joining in January. The striker scored twice and assisted once in the second half of the season and quickly developed into one of Jordan's most promising players. The German-born striker only made his international debut last year, earning a second cap in a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in March. Despite this relative inexperience, he was selected and is expected to be used as a dynamic option off the bench during his side's World Cup debut.
Nabil Emad (Al-Najma) – Egypt
Popularly known as Dunga, after Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain and later coach, Nabil Emad brings calm to Egypt's midfield. The Al-Najma player has been part of the Egypt national team for almost a decade and continues to be an important presence in the team. His inclusion also underlines the growing number of experienced international players now competing in Saudi Arabia outside of the Kingdom's traditional elite clubs.
Théo Hernández (Al Hilal) – France
One of the most dynamic left-backs in the world, Théo Hernández arrives at the World Cup as France's starting left-back and one of the most renowned defenders currently playing in Saudi Arabia. His speed, attacking drive and experience at the highest level of European football continue to make him a key player for Didier Deschamps' side as another major tournament approaches.
Juriën Gaari (Abha) – Curaçao
Although technically not yet in the Saudi League, Abha were promoted to the top flight after winning the Saudi First Division title. Among its players is defender Gaari, who was born in the Netherlands, but plays international football for Curaçao. His country will make history on football's biggest stage in June, as Curaçao – with a population of just 150,000 people – will become the smallest country to play in a FIFA World Cup.