Mohammed Al-Kwikbi comments on his exclusion from the Saudi national team squad
The shock of exclusion and Al-Kuwakibi's moving message
Al-Taawoun's star striker, the talented Mohammed Al-Kwikbi, expressed deep sadness and clear disappointment following the announcement by Saudi Arabia's national team coach, Donis, of the final squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The squad list notably omitted Al-Kwikbi, sparking widespread reactions in Saudi sporting circles. In his first response to this decision, Al-Kwikbi took to his official Twitter account (formerly known as "X"), posting a brief but poignant message: "Patience is beautiful, and God is the One from whom help is sought." This short message clearly reflected the player's frustration after his hopes of representing his country, especially given his current high level of performance.
He shone brightly with Al-Qassim's Al-Sukari in the Roshan League
This exclusion raises many questions among critics and fans, especially since Mohammed Al-Kwikbi is enjoying one of the best periods of his football career, both technically and physically, with Al-Taawoun this season. The player has proven his worth as one of the team's most valuable assets, actively participating in 24 matches across various domestic and continental competitions. During these appearances, Al-Kwikbi has made a significant impact, scoring four crucial goals, in addition to his playmaking prowess, providing seven assists for his teammates. These impressive statistics have allowed him to contribute directly and effectively to the positive results achieved by "Al-Sukari Al-Qassim" (Al-Taawoun's nickname), thus delivering one of his best professional seasons ever.
Historical context and competition within the Saudi national team
Historically, Al-Kwikbi is a prominent name in Saudi football, having risen to prominence during his time with Al-Ettifaq before embarking on a new and successful stint with Al-Taawoun. He has previously represented the Saudi national team on several occasions, making his exclusion at this crucial juncture all the more intriguing. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are of paramount importance to Saudi football, as the sporting leadership strives to secure a place in the upcoming tournament, which will be held in North America. With the remarkable development of the Saudi Professional League and the influx of international stars, competition among local players for a starting position in the national team has become fiercer than ever, placing added pressure on coaching staff in their selections.
Public demands and the impact of the decision
Al-Kwikbi is currently considered one of the most prominent local attacking players in the Saudi Professional League this season. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by football fans, leading Al-Taawoun supporters, and indeed Saudi fans of all affiliations, to repeatedly call for him to be given a chance to join the Saudi national team in the upcoming period. The impact of this exclusion is not limited to the player's psychological state; it also sparks technical discussions about the criteria used to select players to represent the national team. Despite this exclusion, Al-Kwikbi remains obligated to continue working hard and delivering the same outstanding performances with his club to prove his worthiness to return to the national team in future training camps, emphasizing that his football career is still capable of contributing to and serving Saudi football on the international stage.
