Salman Al-Faraj was skipper of the Saudi Arabia team that beat Argentina in the group stage of World Cup 2022. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Saudi Arabia had made headlines with its opening game in the FIFA World Cup 2022, stunning eventual champion Argentina 2-1 in Qatar.

Four years later, it opened its 2026 World Cup campaign on a relatively quiet note, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay. Against Spain, it will look to reinvigorate its form in Qatar in Atlanta on Sunday.

However, there is one major name missing from its squad who featured at the last edition of the World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s former captain Salman Al-Faraj.

Why is Salman Al-Faraj not playing for Saudi Arabia vs Spain?

Salman Al-Faraj has been a Saudi Pro League veteran, winning the top-flight title eight times with Al Hilal and lifting the AFC Champions League twice. He was the captain of the Saudi side that beat Argentina in 2022.

However, the 36-year-old midfielder did not get a spot in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad because coach Georgios Donis preferred younger players such as Ayman Yahya (25) and Ziyad Al-Johani (24) over the veteran.

Salman Al-Faraj’s record at FIFA World Cups:

• Matches: 4
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 1
• Wins: 2
• Losses: 2

Published on Jun 21, 2026