Saleh Al-Shehri

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Saleh Al-Shehri, the veteran Saudi Arabian striker, is gearing up for what could be a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with the Green Falcons. At 32 years old (born November 1, 1993), Al-Shehri brings a wealth of experience and a proven goal-scoring ability to the national squad, making him a crucial figure in their aspirations on the global stage.

Current Form & Season Performance

Saleh Al-Shehri has had a productive 2025/2026 season with Al-Ittihad Jeddah in the Saudi Pro League. Across 18 appearances, he has netted 3 goals and provided 2 assists, showcasing his continued relevance in the attacking third. While his minutes have varied, with some sources reporting around 430 minutes and others up to 829, his goal involvement per 90 minutes stands at an impressive 1, indicating his efficiency when on the pitch. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes is 0.52, placing him in the top 97 percentile of Professional League players, highlighting his knack for getting into dangerous scoring positions. He also maintains a shot accuracy of 26.67% from 3.73 shots per 90 minutes. This season, Al-Shehri has also added to his trophy cabinet with Al-Ittihad, winning the King's Cup (2024/2025) and the Saudi Pro League (2024/2025).

World Cup 2026 Prospects

Al-Shehri is widely expected to be a key component of Georgios Donis's Saudi Arabian squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. As a clinical finisher, he is considered central to the country's World Cup hopes. His age, 32, positions him as an experienced leader within a squad that blends seasoned players with emerging talents. Saudi Arabia will compete in an expanded 48-team tournament, offering more opportunities for impact. Al-Shehri's inclusion in recent squad predictions alongside other prominent forwards like Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan underscores his expected role in the attack.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Saleh Al-Shehri operates primarily as a centre-forward or striker, known for his right-footed finishing. Standing at 1.84m (6 ft 0 in), he possesses the physical attributes to be an aerial threat, further supported by his strong jumping (83-84) and strength (80-81) ratings in recent football simulations. While not renowned for explosive pace or intricate dribbling (with acceleration and sprint speed ratings around 65-67), his high attacking positioning rating (76-77) suggests excellent movement and spatial awareness within the box. His work rate is typically described as medium/medium, indicating a balanced contribution both offensively and defensively. Although some analyses note "no outstanding strengths or weaknesses," his consistent goal involvement and ability to find scoring positions are his defining attributes.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 32 (as of June 2026)
• Club: Al-Ittihad Jeddah
• Position: Centre-Forward / Striker
• Saudi Pro League 2025/2026: 18 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists
• International Caps: 55 (as of March 31, 2026)
• International Goals: 18 (as of March 31, 2026)
• International Debut/First Goal: November 14, 2020, against Jamaica
• Memorable World Cup Moment: Scored against Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, contributing to one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
• Career Club Statistics (Overall): 300 matches, 70 goals, 14 assists.
• Major Club Titles:
• AFC Champions League Elite: 2019, 2021 (with Al-Hilal)
• King's Cup: 2019/2020, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 (with Al-Hilal); 2024/2025 (with Al-Ittihad)
• Saudi Pro League: 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2023/2024 (with Al-Hilal); 2024/2025 (with Al-Ittihad)
• Saudi Super Cup: 2021/2022, 2023/2024 (with Al-Hilal)

Expert Predictions

Pundits and analysts view Saleh Al-Shehri as a critical element for Saudi Arabia's 2026 World Cup campaign. He is frequently highlighted as a "clinical finisher" whose experience will be invaluable. Given Saudi Arabia's reliance on a blend of experienced players, Al-Shehri, at 32, is seen as hitting an optimal age where experience and physical capabilities converge for a major tournament. While some older players in the squad may raise fitness concerns, Al-Shehri's recent club form and consistent national team involvement suggest he will be ready to make a significant contribution. He is expected to provide a crucial goal threat alongside other key attacking players as Saudi Arabia aims to navigate the group stages of the expanded World Cup.