Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Senior National Football Team Makes Historic Debut at AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The Saudi Arabian Women’s Senior National Football Team has marked a significant milestone by completing its debut participation in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Competing in a challenging group with strong teams such as the Philippines, Hong Kong, and host Cambodia, the Saudi team showcased determination and rapid development throughout the tournament.
Match Highlights and Historic Milestones
Over the span of three matches, which took place from June 29 to July 5, the Saudi team faced formidable opponents:
- Against the Philippines (0-3)
- Against Hong Kong (0-1)
- Against Cambodia (1-2)
Despite not advancing, the campaign saw the team score Saudi Arabia’s first-ever goal in official Asian qualifiers — a historic moment for the women’s program, which was only established in 2021. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the average age of the squad is just 23, underlining the promise and potential of these young athletes.
A Reflection of Progressive Strategy
The composition and performance of the team are the result of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)’s long-term vision to build a strong foundation for the future of women’s football in the Kingdom. The squad’s youthful makeup, resilience, and progress reflect SAFF’s strategic commitment to nurturing local talent and creating equal competitive opportunities for women.
“SAFF remains fully committed to empowering its women’s teams through continuous development programs and expanding competitive opportunities,” stated the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
Looking Ahead: Building on Experience
While the team’s debut journey may have ended on the pitch, it brought back invaluable lessons and a renewed determination to further advance Saudi women’s football, both at the continental and global levels. The progress marks a historic turning point and offers an inspiring narrative for women’s sports in the Kingdom.
SAFF continues its mission to support and invest in future generations of female footballers with comprehensive development initiatives, professional coaching, and international match exposure. The football community, led by key figures such as Lamia Bahaian, Majed Al Sahib, Aalia Abdulaziz AlRasheed, Nasser LARGUET, Lluís Cortés Cava, Shawg AlSaleh, Safia Abdeldayem, and Abeer AlSayari, underscores the growing ecosystem empowering women in sports across Saudi Arabia.
Team V.4-LKDN-UAE
