According to statistics, 47 players from the Saudi League will participate in the 2026 World Cup. This makes it the league with the most representatives outside Europe's traditional "top five leagues" and reflects the competition's growing influence on the global football landscape.
With the announcement of the 48 national team rosters for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Saudi League ranks sixth globally in player representation.
According to FIFA's official team lists, only the English Premier League (176 players), German Bundesliga (101 players), Spanish La Liga (81 players), French Ligue 1 (79 players), and Italian Serie A (66 players) have more players participating in this World Cup than the Saudi League.
The Saudi League official stated: This milestone reflects the continued rise of the Saudi Professional League as one of the major competitions in world football, with players from across the globe representing their respective countries on the Sport's biggest stage.
The Saudi Arabian national team’s roster is composed almost entirely of Saudi League players, with 24 of the "Green Falcons'" 26 players currently playing in the country’s top league.
The only exceptions are pioneering overseas player Saud Abdulhamid (defender), who reported after a breakthrough season with French club Lens, and former Al-Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who currently plays for Ula in the second-tier league.
In addition to Saudi Arabian nationals, 23 international stars from the Saudi League are also expected to feature in the tournament. Among the key names is Al-Nassr captain Ronaldo, who will be participating in his sixth World Cup.
The Portuguese superstar is heading to North America after captaining Al-Nassr to their first Saudi Professional League title in seven years. He will lead one of the favorites alongside his club teammate Felix, who was recently named the Saudi Professional League Player of the Season for 2025-26.
The Portugal squad also includes Al-Hilal duo Neves and Cancelo, further highlighting the depth of talent competing in Saudi Arabia's top league.
Wuwbcinpz
36
You can't talk about Saudi pro league without referring to the goat 🐐 cr7
DMICHAELSinc
20
The best in the world players there, and attracting others to it. That's what the small man can't do👌
Tocilostyz
12
Yes! The owner of the current football era is playing in Soudi League 🐐🇵🇹
Acharyagaurav
9
GOAT effect 🐐💪🏾