The President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, has resigned from his position after the “Green Falcons” exited the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Al-Misehal took responsibility for Saudi Arabia’s failure to qualify for the last 32, having only secured two points in their group. He wrote on his ‘X’ account: “My colleagues on the board and I have done everything possible to serve Saudi football, and we strived with all sincerity to achieve the aspirations of our nation and our fans. However, not qualifying for the next stage of the World Cup is an outcome that does not meet our ambitions, and I take full responsibility for it. I apologize to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.”

He added: “Given my conviction that responsibility requires giving the opportunity to a new phase, I have decided not to continue until the end of the current term.”

The Saudi team began their North American World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw against Uruguay, but suffered a heavy defeat to Spain (0–4) in the second round.

Yasser Al-Misehal.

Key Events in Saudi Arabia During Al-Misehal's Tenure

They needed a win against Cape Verde in the third round to qualify, but only managed a goalless draw, which allowed their opponent, participating for the first time in history, to advance as runners-up to Spain in Group H.

Saudi Arabia, due to host the 2034 World Cup, had hoped to advance beyond the group stage for the second time after the 1994 World Cup in the United States but failed to achieve this in their seventh appearance.

Al-Misehal, 52 years old, was elected as president of the federation in June 2019 and was endorsed for a new four-year term until 2027.

During his tenure, Saudi Arabia hosted numerous competitions, most notably the Spanish Super Cup, the Italian Super Cup six times, the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, among others.

The oil-rich nation is set to host the 2027 Asian Cup finals and the Gulf Cup in the same year, leading up to the 2034 World Cup.

Since 2023, the Saudi league has attracted many football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar.

“The Green Falcons” qualified for the World Cup twice during his tenure but were eliminated from the group stage in Qatar 2022 with three points and in North America with two points.