The Roshn Saudi League’s growing influence on world football was once again on full display during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. From Cristiano Ronaldo making history in Europe to African stars pushing their nations closer to the global stage, RSL players left a major mark across continents.
Ronaldo, the Al Nassr and Portugal captain, scored his 39th World Cup qualifying goal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hungary last weekend. The strike drew him level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz for the most goals in the history of FIFA World Cup qualification. This was followed by a brace against Armenia a couple of days before. At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to defy age, taking his career tally to 943 goals as he chases the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.
But Ronaldo was not the only Saudi-based star to shine. Across Europe, Africa, and beyond, several RSL players delivered decisive performances for their national teams, underlining how the league’s talent pool is shaping international football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi League's stature extends beyond Cristiano Ronaldo's stardom
Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty in the 58th minute against Hungary highlighted his consistency on the international stage. His record-equalling 39th World Cup qualifying goal added another chapter to his legendary career. The Portugal captain, who also netted twice against Armenia in the previous match, continues to be a driving force for his national team and a global ambassador for the Roshn Saudi League.
Ronaldo’s national teammates from the Saudi league also made headlines. Al Hilal’s João Cancelo provided an assist and scored the winner for Portugal against Hungary, while midfielder Rúben Neves anchored the side throughout. Al Nassr’s summer signing João Félix made a late substitute appearance, fresh off his hat-trick debut in the RSL.
In Africa, RSL stars were equally influential. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Zambia, while Al Fayha forward Fashion Sakala battled on the opposite side. In Senegal’s crucial 3-2 win over DR Congo, Kalidou Koulibaly held firm in defense, with Al Ahli’s Edouard Mendy and Al Nassr’s Sadio Mané also playing vital roles. The win pushed Senegal to the top of Group B.
Elsewhere, Franck Kessié (Al Ahli) featured for Ivory Coast in a draw with Gabon, while Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) and Saïd Benrahma (NEOM SC) started for Algeria in their goalless stalemate with Guinea. Al Ittihad’s Houssem Aouar came on as a late substitute.
The influence of RSL talent stretched even further. In South America, Darwin Núñez, a recent Al Hilal signing, led Uruguay’s attack in a draw with Chile. His club and international teammate Nahitan Nández also featured in midfield.
In North America, Al Fayha goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera played for Panama in a 1-1 draw with Guatemala, while Al Najmah striker Romell Quioto scored for Honduras in their 2-0 victory over Nicaragua.
Italy’s Mateo Retegui, of Al Qadsiah, contributed two assists in a 5-4 thriller against Israel, following up on his brace for Italy earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad defender Mario Mitaj completed a solid 90 minutes in Albania’s win over Latvia.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have stolen the spotlight with yet another record, but the wider story is the Roshn Saudi League’s global footprint. From Europe to Africa, Asia to the Americas, RSL stars are not only lifting their clubs but also shaping their nations’ World Cup dreams. With Qatar 2026 just around the corner, the Saudi league’s players are proving they will have a significant role on football’s biggest stage.
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