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FIFA U-20 World Cup
Marcos Soares’ side displayed resilience and defensive grit throughout the continental tournament, overcoming a tough group stage and edging Korea Republic on penalties in the semi-finals before falling to a resurgent Australia in the final.
Factfile
Previous Appearances: 10
Best Finish: Round of 16 (2011, 2019)
2023 Record: Did not qualify
How They Got There: Finalists, AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2025
Head Coach: Marcos Soares (BRA)
Fun Fact: Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was named Best Goalkeeper of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup after keeping three clean sheets
Group F Fixtures: v Colombia (September 29); v Nigeria (October 2); v Norway (October 5)
Saudi Arabia tested themselves at the 2025 Khufu International Tournament in Egypt, where they faced Colombia, Brazil and Norway. While they lost 2-1 to Colombia before drawing 1-1 with Brazil and 0-0 with Norway, the Green Falcons gained valuable international experience.
Soares has kept faith with the squad that reached the continental final, with goalkeeper Hamed Yousef, midfielder Bassam Hazzazi and forward Amar Al Yuhaybi expected to shine in Chile.
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Al Yuhaybi - in particular - caught the eye with his dramatic late winner against China PR in the AFC U20 Asian Cup quarter-finals, while Hazzazi was industrious in midfield which makes him a reliable asset in both attack and defence.
The Green Falcons will once again bank on their defensive mettle, which proved the backbone of their continental campaign. Having missed out on qualification in 2023, they will be eager to make a mark on their return to the world stage.
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