As the world's biggest football event approaches, the eyes of football fans are turning towards the United States of America, where Saudi and Arab fans are eagerly awaiting the draw for the 2026 World Cup. In light of the tremendous technological development, "Al-Midan Al-Riyadi" was keen to utilize artificial intelligence technologies to anticipate the future of the "Green Falcons" and predict the features of their group in the upcoming World Cup, which will witness a historic joint organization between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Artificial intelligence scenarios: between optimism and caution
The AI simulation revealed a significant disparity in the Saudi national team's chances, presenting two contrasting scenarios:
- The easiest (dream) scenario: This scenario places the Saudi national team in a relatively balanced group, with Canada (one of the hosts) topping the group in Pot 1. Pot 2 is predicted to include teams like Ecuador, Switzerland, South Korea, or Australia, while Saudi Arabia would be placed in Pot 3, completing the group with teams from Pot 4 such as New Zealand or Haiti.
- The worst-case scenario (the nightmare): Conversely, predictions warn of a group of death that could pit Saudi Arabia against football giants, with Brazil or France (2022 runners-up) in Pot 1. The challenge is compounded by the presence of strong teams in Pot 2, such as Croatia or Uruguay, and the potential inclusion of established powers like Italy or Ghana in Pot 4, making it a truly "group of death."
2026 World Cup: An exceptional edition and new challenges
This edition of the World Cup holds special and historical significance, as it will be the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, thus altering the qualification process and increasing the number of matches. This expansion offers greater opportunities for Asian and African teams, but at the same time presents significant logistical and technical challenges for participating nations, given that the matches will be spread across three vast countries in North America.
The Green Team's ambitions and Renard's return
The Saudi national team enters this stage with sky-high ambitions, drawing on its impressive World Cup history, most recently its honorable participation in Qatar 2022 and its historic victory over Argentina. These expectations coincide with the presence of French coach Hervé Renard, returning to lead the team, alongside Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in Washington, D.C., for the draw ceremony. Saudi fans are placing great faith in Renard's experience in managing major tournaments and his ability to bring out the best in his players to advance beyond the group stage and go far in the competition, regardless of the names drawn in the official draw.
