Saudi Football Chief Resigns After 2026 World Cup Group Stage Exit
Yasser Al-Misehal resigned as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation on June 29, 2026, after the national team finished last in World Cup Group H with two points (draws vs. Cape Verde and Uruguay, 4-0 loss to Spain). Accepting full responsibility, he stepped down following seven years of leadership that included securing Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup hosting bid. The resignation came amid criticism over player development, coaching changes, and the impact of the Saudi Pro League's high-profile signings on local talent.
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Saudi Football Federation Chairman Resigns After World Cup Group Stage Exit
Yasser Al-Misehal resigned as Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) on Monday, taking responsibility for the Saudi national team's early elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The 'Green Falcons' failed to advance past the group stage for the third consecutive time, drawing with Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing 4-0 to Spain. Al-Misehal, who led SAFF for seven years, announced his resignation amid growing criticism from fans, former players, and media figures. Critics highlighted issues including player development, squad selection, tactical decisions, and the impact of the Saudi Pro League's globalization on local talent. The federation also faced scrutiny for appointing Georges Donis as head coach just weeks before the tournament. Saudi Arabia will now focus on the 2027 Asian Cup which it will host, with fans demanding major improvement and a first Asian title since 1996.
虎扑 - 足球Saudi Football Federation President Resigns After World Cup Group Stage Exit
Yasser al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, resigned on June 29, 2026, exactly seven years after taking office. His resignation followed the early elimination of the Saudi national team from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team finished last in Group H with two points from draws against Cape Verde and Uruguay and a 4-0 loss to Spain. In a statement on the federation's social media, al-Misehal apologized and said he assumed full responsibility for the disappointing result, which did not meet the country's ambitions. This marks Saudi Arabia's third consecutive World Cup group stage elimination after 2018 and 2022.
FútbolSaudi football federation chief resigns after World Cup exit
Yasser al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, resigned after the national team (Green Falcons) finished bottom of Group H in the 2026 World Cup with two points, following draws against Uruguay and Cape Verde and a 4-0 defeat to Spain. In a statement on X, Misehal accepted full responsibility and said it was time for a new chapter, despite seven years of service that included securing Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The resignation follows the earlier dismissal of French coach Herve Renard after poor warm-up results. Saudi Arabia has invested nearly two billion dollars in football in recent years, attracting stars like Ronaldo and Neymar to its Pro League.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Resigns After World Cup 2026 Group Stage Elimination
Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has resigned following the national team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Al-Misehal publicly took responsibility for the team's early exit, marking another high-profile departure in the wake of the tournament. The resignation was reported by Record Portugal on June 29, 2026. The decision underscores the high stakes and accountability pressures within Saudi football leadership following a disappointing performance on the global stage.
RecordSaudi Arabian Football Federation President Resigns After World Cup Group Stage Exit
Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), resigned on Sunday evening following Saudi Arabia's elimination from the 2026 World Cup group stage. The team finished last in Group H with 2 points after a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, failing to advance. Al-Misehal, who had led the federation for seven years, publicly took full responsibility for the disappointing result. His tenure was notably marked by Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The team had been competing in its third consecutive World Cup and seventh overall, with its only Round of 16 appearance coming in 1994. The resignation came two months after the dismissal of head coach Hervé Renard, a decision that may have impacted the team's performance.
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