On October 15th, Pacific Time, Saudi media beIN SPORTS reported that after successfully qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the Saudi national team players received a massive bonus of 5 million Saudi riyals (approximately €1.145 million) each in recognition of their contributions to the World Cup qualifiers. The bonuses were reportedly personally approved by Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz ibn Turki ibn Faisal.

In the third stage of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, Saudi Arabia failed to secure a direct qualification by finishing in the top two of their group, but secured a spot in the fourth stage by finishing third. In the fourth stage, Saudi Arabia was placed in Group B with Indonesia and Iraq. In two matches, Saudi Arabia defeated Indonesia 3-2 and Iraq 0-0, ultimately securing first place in their group and advancing to the World Cup thanks to a higher total goal difference than Iraq.

At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Saudi Arabia upset the eventual champions Argentina in the group stage. After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia also qualified for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.