Saudi Arabia's youth national team: Dreaming of the Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup
The Saudi Arabian national youth team, known as "Green Falcons 17," begins a crucial football journey on home soil and in front of its fans, as all eyes turn to Jeddah, which is hosting the 2026 AFC U-17 Championship. The importance of this tournament is not limited to being a prestigious continental competition, but it also represents the only gateway for Asian teams to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which places a dual mission on the shoulders of the new generation of Green Falcons: to reclaim the absent continental title and secure a place in the global tournament.
A rich history and renewed ambition
The Saudi national team enters this tournament for its thirteenth appearance, carrying a rich historical legacy in this age group. The young Green Falcons were a dominant force in Asia during the 1980s, winning the title twice consecutively in 1985 and 1988. Their success wasn't limited to continental dominance; it extended to the global stage when this golden generation achieved a unique feat by winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Scotland in 1989 – an accomplishment still etched in the memory of Saudi and Asian football. After finishing as runners-up in the previous edition held in Taif, the current team aims to build on this momentum and achieve an even greater accomplishment, securing their third title.
The importance and impact of the championship
The Kingdom's hosting of this tournament holds strategic importance that extends far beyond the pitch. It aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global sports hub. Playing on home soil also provides young players with a tremendous morale boost thanks to the anticipated home support, and contributes to honing their skills in a highly competitive environment. Regionally, the tournament serves as a true benchmark for the development of youth football across the continent, with 16 teams, divided into four groups, competing for a limited number of World Cup qualifying spots, guaranteeing fierce competition and a high level of play.
Al-Akhdar's journey in the tournament
The Saudi national team will begin its campaign against Myanmar, which is returning to the finals for the fifth time in its history and the first time since 2006. National coach Ahmed Al-Hanfoush announced the final 23-man squad for this challenge, which includes a selection of promising young talents who have been developed through intensive training camps and friendly matches. The squad includes the following players: Abdullah Al-Mas, Musaed Al-Shammari, Musa Al-Eid, Jawad Al-Hashem, Ali Al-Yahya, Nawaf Al-Huwayri, Ahmed Ishaq, Abdulrahman Al-Mami, Marwan Al-Yami, Ammar Maimani, Zaid Al-Bouri, Khaled Sharahili, Hassan Al-Akroush, Abdullah Al-Batli, Tamim Siraj, Hamad Al-Shammari, Ali Awad, Ali Al-Makki, Yahya Saeed, Abdullah Al-Dosari, Ali Al-Shamrani, Faisal Alaa, and Fares Boushagra.
