Saudi Arabia face Cape Verde at Houston Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning, knowing only a win preserves any realistic hope of reaching the World Cup round of 32.
One point from a draw against Uruguay and a 4–0 defeat to Spain leave the Green Falcons bottom of Group H. A victory here, combined with Uruguay failing to beat Spain, would lift them into second place and seal automatic qualification. Anything less than three points almost certainly ends their tournament.
Saudi Arabia team news
Georgios Donis has no injury concerns, and a full squad is available. Hassan Al-Tambakti, who had been carrying a slight foot problem, is fit. The selection decisions are about personnel and system rather than availability.
Two changes are expected from the side beaten by Spain. Mohamed Kanno was one of Saudi Arabia’s best performers in the opening draw with Uruguay but was dropped for the match against La Roja — the midfield was overrun without him, and he is set to return.
Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat is also expected to come in on the right, his defensive discipline giving Donis more balance in a side that must both defend against Cape Verde’s pace on the counter and create enough going forward to score.
The five-man defensive structure of Moteb Al-Harbi, Ali Lajami, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri and Saud Abdulhamid is retained, despite the tactical tension of a must-win game.
Captain Salem Al-Dawsari, with 109 caps and 27 international goals, carries Saudi Arabia’s creative and attacking burden from a wide position. Firas Al-Buraikan — 16 goals from 74 appearances — leads the line. Nasser Al-Dawsari provides midfield support alongside Kanno.
Saudi Arabia predicted lineup
Saudi Arabia possible starting XI (5-4-1): M. Al-Owais; M. Al-Harbi, A. Lajami, H. Al-Tambakti, A. Al-Amri, S. Abdulhamid; S. Al-Dawsari, M. Kanno, N. Al-Dawsari, M. Abu Al-Shamat; F. Al-Buraikan
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
How to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?
The match will be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK.
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