Saudi Football Federation President Resigns

Yasser Al-Misehal has resigned as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation following the national team's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said he was taking full responsibility for the result and that stepping aside would open the door to a new phase for Saudi football.

Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points, drawing with Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing to Spain. The outcome ended the team's campaign at the group stage and prompted the leadership change at the top of the federation.

The federation later set Aug. 30 as the date for elections to choose a new president and board under the 2026–2030 electoral cycle. Reports indicated that the agenda of the extraordinary general assembly did not list the resignation for discussion, focusing instead on organizational matters and changes to the statute and electoral rules.

Why it matters

Football holds a central place in daily life across the Kingdom, and the national team's fortunes are followed closely by residents and expats alike in Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond. The leadership transition and upcoming elections signal a period of restructuring that could shape the direction of the sport in the years ahead.

Fans will be watching the August vote to see who takes the helm and how the federation plans to rebuild ahead of future international competitions.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving