Saudi football spending spree may not lift national team

Three years after Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival triggered a massive spending spree in Saudi football, doubts persist about whether the investment in clubs will translate into international success for the national team. Despite attracting global stars, the Saudi national team has yet to see a significant rise in performance or World Cup prospects. The article highlights the disconnect between club-level spending and national team development ahead of the 2026 World Cup.