Abdulhamid only overseas player in Saudi Arabia squad

Saud Abdulhamid celebrates while playing for LensImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Saud Abdulhamid made his debut for Saudi Arabia in 2019

ByLorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist
  • Published

Roma defender Saud Abdulhamid has been named as the only overseas player in Saudi Arabia's World Cup squad for this summer's tournament.

Abdulhamid, who won the Coupe de France while on loan at Lens last season, is the only individual based outside of the Saudi Pro League who has been included in Greek coach Georgios Donis' 26-man group.

Al Hilal's Salem Al Dawsari, 34, who captains the national side, is set to play in his third World Cup, after featuring in the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Saudi Arabia start their campaign in Group H against Uruguay on 15 June, followed by games with 2010 winners Spain on 21 June and Cape Verde six days later.

The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and begins 11 June.

Saudi Arabia World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ula), Nawaf Al Aqidi (Al Nassr), Ahmed Al Kassar (Al Qadsiah).

Defenders: Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (Lens, on loan from Roma), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), Sultan Al-Ghannam (Al Nassr).

Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (Neom), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr).

Forwards: Firas Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr).