Al Hanfoosh: This Saudi team wants to write own story

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ just around the corner, Saudi Arabia’s U-17 side are set for another crack at the world stage. The tournament will run from 19 November to 13 December and feature 48 nations for only the second time in its history.

The Young Green Falcons will be making their second consecutive and fifth overall appearance, after returning to the fold at the 2025 edition of the tournament, establishing themselves as a reliable presence in a competition with a special place in Saudi football history.

In 1989, Saudi Arabia achieved a historic feat by capturing the world title in what was then known as the FIFA U-16 World Championship. That triumph is still very much alive in Saudi footballing memory and a source of inspiration for generations seeking to make their own mark on the international stage.

A tough task awaits Ahmad Al Hanfoosh’s side in Qatar, where they will face France, Uruguay and Haiti in Group D. Despite the strength of their opponents, the team head into the tournament aiming first to make it through the group stage, then to take each round as it comes.

The 47-year-old Hanfoosh spoke to FIFA about his team’s ambitions in Qatar, the significance of a second consecutive U-17 World Cup appearance and the influence of the 1989 generation’s legacy, as well as his vision for his players’ future and his aspiration to help prepare a new generation that will deliver for Saudi football.

FIFA: This is the second year running that Saudi Arabia’s U-17 side will be playing at the World Cup. What does that mean to all of you?

Ahmad Al Hanfoosh: A second consecutive qualification for the World Cup reflects the continued development of Saudi football at the youth level. The excitement around taking part in the tournament is extremely high. Most importantly, we want to enter the World Cup, God willing, fully prepared.

You’ve landed in a tough group. How do you assess the level of the opposition?

We respect all the teams that have been drawn alongside us in the group. France and Uruguay represent two world-class footballing schools with a rich history in the game, and Haiti are not to be underestimated either. Our job is to prepare as best we can to face these teams and work towards getting out of the group, God willing.

What are your ambitions, or how far do you want to go in this edition of the World Cup?

Of course, our ambition, and that of the leadership and the Saudi public, is to get out of the group stage, God willing, and then take the tournament step by step from there.

Does playing in Qatar help you perform better because it’s close to home, in terms of distance and atmosphere?

Playing in our sister nation of Qatar is definitely a positive for us, given the nearby location and the similar atmosphere. We hope to turn that to our advantage to benefit our side throughout the tournament.

The U-17 side won the title in 1989. Can you deliver another big moment for Saudi football?

Of course, the generation that won the World Cup in 1989 is an inspiration to every generation in Saudi football, but this current group wants to write their own story by putting in the best possible performance in the tournament. We don’t make promises, but we’re ready to work as hard as possible to put in a performance that reflects the image and identity of Saudi football, and that also embodies its future.

What do you think of the U-17 World Cup now being held annually? How does it help young players?

Holding the tournament every year is a very positive thing and a great opportunity to discover more talent. International competition gives young players a greater opportunity to develop, which is a positive for which FIFA deserves credit. I hope the tournament carries on with this same annual format and even greater support.

What are your ambitions, both personally and for the team, over the coming years?

My personal ambition is, of course, linked to the team’s ambition during this current period. Every coach wants to grow through the experiences he goes through. I also have big ambitions in terms of developing players and helping to shape a generation that will deliver for Saudi football all the way through to the 2034 World Cup.