Salman Al-Faraj

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Salman Al-Faraj's 2026 FIFA World Cup Prospects Dimmed by Cruciate Ligament Injury

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The prospects for veteran Saudi Arabian midfielder Salman Al-Faraj to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear significantly challenged following a cruciate ligament injury sustained in November 2025. With an estimated return to play in early August 2026, the timeline for his recovery and regaining match fitness ahead of the tournament, scheduled to kick off in June 2026, is exceptionally tight.

Al-Faraj, who turned 36 in August 2025 and will be 37 during the World Cup year, underwent successful surgery for the injury. He had previously transferred from Al-Hilal, where he spent two decades, to NEOM SC in July 2024. However, he has not featured in any matches for NEOM SC during the 2024-2025 or the current 2025-2026 season due to this severe injury.

The Saudi Arabian national team has successfully qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Hervé Renard continuing as their head coach. While Renard has, in the past, shown a willingness to consider players returning from injury for national team selection, as evidenced by his inclusion of Amandine Henry in the French women's national team squad despite her injury, Al-Faraj's situation presents a steeper challenge. The severity of a cruciate ligament tear, combined with the player's age and the limited time to achieve peak performance, will be major factors in Renard's decision-making.

The Saudi midfield currently boasts a respectable depth of talent, including players such as Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Musab Al-Juwayr, Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dawsari, and Salem Al-Dawsari. These players have been actively participating in the national team's qualifying campaigns and recent fixtures, suggesting strong competition for midfield positions. Recent Saudi Arabia squad call-ups for qualifiers and the Arab Cup in May and November/December 2025, respectively, have not included Al-Faraj, which is consistent with his injury recovery period.

Given the demanding nature of international football and the short window for recovery and regaining match fitness, Salman Al-Faraj faces an uphill battle to be included in Saudi Arabia's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His potential inclusion would likely depend on an exceptionally swift and complete rehabilitation, followed by a rapid return to top-level form, a challenging feat for any player, particularly at his age and after such a significant injury.