Saudi Arabia announces $1.33 million bonus for spot in 2026 World Cup

The Saudi Arabia national team secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Iraq on Tuesday (15) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. The local government announced a bonus of 5 million Saudi riyals, equivalent to about $1.33 million, for each called-up player. The award, reported by Asharq Business newspaper, aims to reward performance in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers.

Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal authorized the payment after celebrating the achievement on the field with the athletes. This measure reflects the country’s ongoing investment in football, especially with the 2034 World Cup on the horizon.

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Saudi Arabia finishes the triangular with four points, edging out Iraq on goals scored, which stood at 3-1 in the previous phase.

• Key match highlights: Solid defense prevented Iraq goals; Midfield controlled 58% possession; Attack created three clear chances.
• Benefited players: List includes 26 called-up athletes, emphasizing Salem Al-Dawsari, named man of the match.
• Financial impact: Totals about $34.58 million in prizes for the squad.

🇸🇦 A third consecutive #FIFAWorldCup for Saudi Arabia!@aramco | #WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/svb5V3K9Uh

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025

Award details

The 5 million riyals per athlete covers those called for the decisive qualifiers phase. Payment will be deposited within 30 days after Fifa official confirmation.

Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the spot’s importance for sports development in the country. The initiative is part of an incentives package including additional training and logistical support for World Cup preparation.

Path to qualification

Saudi Arabia advanced in the third phase with wins over Indonesia and China. In the fourth phase, the draw with Iraq sufficed due to head-to-head advantage.

Coach Herve Renard praised the team’s tactical maturity in maintaining balance. The squad earned three points in the triangular’s initial rounds, securing first place.

This is Asia’s eighth direct spot, alongside Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, and Qatar. Iraq now enters continental playoffs.

The campaign included a goalless draw against Japan in March, showing defensive consistency.

World Cup history

Saudi Arabia will play its seventh World Cup. Debut came in 1994 in the United States, reaching the round of 16. In 1998 and 2002, the team reached group stages. Absent in 2006, it returned in 2018 and 2022, highlighted by victory over Argentina in the last tournament.

Best result remains 1994 under Jorge Fossati, with three initial wins. Consecutive participations since 2018 reflect infrastructure advances.

World Cup preparation

The squad features players from European leagues and Saudi Pro League. Intensive training starts in November, focused on tactics and physical conditioning. Renard plans friendlies against South American teams in December. Core group includes veterans like Al-Dawsari and young Al-Hilal prospects.

Saudi Arabia will host 2030 World Cup games, accelerating youth academy investments. The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with 48 teams for the first time.

Azteca Stadium in Mexico hosts the opener, while the final is at MetLife Stadium in the United States.