Countdown to the World Cup — 30 Days Until Kickoff
Team Profiles
30 — Saudi Arabia
Group: C
How they Qualified: Won group in AFC Qualification
Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16–1994
Transfermarkt Roster Value: $32M (70th)
FIFA Rank: 51
Odds to Win Group: +2200
Odds to Advance: +600
Key Players:
Salem Al-Dawsari — Left Back — Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Salman Al-Faraj — Midfielder — Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Sultan Al-Ghannam — Forward — Al-Nasr (Saudi Arabia)
Playing Style:
During Asian qualification, Saudi Arabia played a possession heavy style, often deploying a 4–2–3–1 formation. They preferred to control possession, finishing third in average possession and second in accurate passes per match during the campaign.
They may be forced to take a more pragmatic approach at the World Cup as the minnow in a group featuring Argentina, Mexico and Poland. However, in their recent friendly match with the US they did not sit in a deep defensive shell, instead they came out with occasional high pressure against the more talented American squad. They did opt for more direct attacks against the US, often hitting long balls to bypass the high press and test the American back line.
Despite a lack of familiar names, Saudi Arabia demonstrated in the draw with the US that they aren’t to be taken lightly. They had a good showing in Asian qualifying, winning their group with a 7–2–1 record, ahead of a strong Japan team as well as World Cup playoff entrants Australia.
Get to Know the US Team
Weston McKennie — Central Midfielder
Baltimore Doppelganger — Adam Jones
The 24 year old Texas native is one of the key figures for the US. An all-around midfielder, McKennie has been playing at the highest level in Europe nearly as long as Christian Pulisic, debuting for Schalke in the German Bundesliga at age 18.
McKennie’s Baltimore parallel is Oriole favorite, Adam Jones. Like Jones, McKennie is a likable personality who is well regarded in the clubhouse. In the same way that Jones was good with both the bat and the glove, Weston provides value on both sides of the ball. He has the ability to drive forward into attack from midfield and provides a dangerous target for crosses and set pieces with his aerial ability. He also brings defensive bite to the middle of the field, able to get stuck in on opponents to win the ball and break up opposition attacks.
Both players are pivotal members of their teams, but at times somewhat underappreciated by fans and pundits. McKennie was arguably the best player for the US during their qualifying run. Questions linger about whether he can bring that same form to the World Cup. He has been off to a poor start to the season for Juventus after missing most of the preseason with an injury. He didn’t play well in the two September friendlies either. The US really needs him to round into form before November to have their best shot at success.
Players to Watch
30 — Alphonso Davies — Canada — Left Back
The 21 year old Bayern Munich left back is the central figure for an emergent Canada team. Davies is the best player ever produced by MLS, generating a then-record transfer fee when he was sold to Bayern in 2019.
Since then he has broken out as one of the top left backs in the world. His blazing speed down the wing makes him a huge danger in attack and allows him to cover acres of space in defense. He was a key contributor in Bayern’s run to the Champions League title in 2020.
Whether at left wing or left back, Davies will be the focus of opposing teams as they gameplan for this surprisingly good Canadian team. Davies led CONCACAF qualifying with eight assists to go along with his five goals. When healthy, he’s pretty clearly the best player in the region and he will now get his chance to test himself in the game’s premier international competition.
Soccer Terminology 101
Pitch
This one is pretty simple, pitch is just what the British call the soccer field. It’s one of a collection of British soccer terms that have American equivalents. Similar to how they call it “football” instead of “soccer”.
