Sami Al-Jaber says West Asian teams are too weak

Saudi Arabia legend Sami Al-Jaber has criticised the level of West Asian teams after their performances at the 2026 World Cup, saying the gap to East Asia is obvious.

Speaking on the programme Nadina, the former Al Hilal and Saudi Arabia forward said football in the region is often too quick to blame head coaches for defeats. He argued that the problem runs deeper than tactics and said West Asian sides are technically weak.

Al-Jaber pointed to Japan and South Korea as examples of teams that compete at a much higher level. He also cited Saudi Arabia's 4-0 defeat to Spain, saying the difference in quality was clear and that Saudi Arabia were fortunate to lose by only four goals because they did little in the match.

He added that Saudi football needs broader reform and long-term planning rather than short-term fixes. Al-Jaber also said many African teams are ahead of Arab Asian sides in ambition and confidence, and noted that past coaches in Saudi Arabia, including Roberto Mancini, had spoken about technical limits in some players.