Saudi Arabia Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal resigned on June 28, 2026, after the national team failed to advance beyond the group stage at the FIFA World Cup [1, 2, 3]. The team finished bottom of Group H with two points, drawing 1-1 against Uruguay, 0-0 against Cape Verde, and suffering a heavy 4-0 loss to Spain [1, 2, 3].

Al-Misehal acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance and took full responsibility, apologizing to fans. He said, "The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position" [3]. He added that "responsibility requires providing the opportunity for a new phase," and chose not to continue until the end of his current term [1].

Al-Misehal had led the federation for seven years and played a major role in Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. The 2026 tournament marked Saudi Arabia’s seventh overall World Cup appearance and their third in a row [1, 2, 3].

The team had replaced coach Herve Renard with Georgios Donis less than two months before the World Cup after poor results in friendly matches contributed to Renard’s dismissal in March 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Despite nearly $2 billion investment in football over the past three years, including signing global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Karim Benzema, Saudi Arabia and five other Asian teams apart from Japan and Australia failed to progress from the group stage [1, 2, 3].

The Saudi Football Federation now faces the task of appointing new leadership and rebuilding ahead of the 2034 World Cup they will host. Al-Misehal’s resignation was announced immediately following the final group match on June 28, marking a swift leadership change after the early exit [1, 2, 3].