Saudi Arabia's Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais, a World Cup Veteran Mohammed Al-Owais is the most likely choice to start in goal for Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, born in Al-Hasa, plays for Al-Ula in the Saudi First Division League, which is the second tier of Saudi Arabian football. He has earned 64 caps for his national team prior to the tournament. Saudi Arabia's squad faces a challenging group stage, beginning with a match against Uruguay on Monday night, and will need a reliable shot stopper to compete effectively. Al-Owais has previous World Cup experience, having participated in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. In 2018, he was not selected as a starter but earned a place in the squad and made a start against Uruguay in a 1-0 loss. His performance in that match included several key saves. In the 2022 World Cup, he was the first-choice goalkeeper for Saudi Arabia. He led the team to a 2-1 victory over Argentina in their opening match in Qatar, a result that surprised many. Al-Owais also played in Saudi Arabia's matches against Mexico during the group stage, where he performed well. The 2026 World Cup represents a new opportunity for Al-Owais. With the tournament set to begin on Monday night against Uruguay, the Saudi team will rely on his experience and ability to handle high-pressure situations. The group stage is expected to be highly competitive, with teams from South America and Europe likely to dominate. For Saudi Arabia to advance, Al-Owais will need to maintain the level of performance he demonstrated in 2022. Al-Owais's role in the 2026 World Cup will be critical. His experience and skill in international matches make him a key asset for Saudi Arabia.#saudi_arabia #2026_fifa_world_cup #uruguay #mohammed_alowais #alula
