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Arab News
a day ago
- Health
- Arab News
Green Falcons hold Alkhobar training session in preparation for World Cup qualifiers
KHOBAR: The Saudi national football team held a training session on Saturday in Alkhobar, as they continue preparing for the decisive ninth and 10th rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport French coach Herve Renard supervised the team as they held a light recovery session at the health facilities of the Green Falcons' base camp, a media statement said. Injured left back Muteb Al-Harbi continued his rehabilitation program under the medical staff's supervision, while teammate Mohammed Bakr resumed physical training with the team's fitness coach. After the recovery session ended, Renard gave the players some free time, with the squad scheduled to return later this evening at their base. The Green Falcons' preparations resume tomorrow night with a full training session at 7 p.m. in Ettifaq Club Stadium. The first 15 minutes of the session will be open to the media to offer a glimpse into the team's readiness as the qualifiers draw near. Saudi Arabia stands at third place in Group C with 10 points from eight matches. Japan tops the group on 20 points, while second-place Australia has 13 points. The Green Falcons play against Bahrain on June 5 and Australia on June 10.


Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
RIYADH: The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport French coach Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, a media statement said. The training session began with warm-up training followed by tactical exercises and a half-field game, before it concluded with stretching routines aimed at muscle recovery and injury prevention. In a positive development, defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from a recent injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr continued their individual rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the medical team. The Green Falcons will resume their preparation on Friday afternoon with a closed-door training match against the Jordanian national team, also scheduled to take place at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.


Leaders
7 days ago
- Sport
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Draw Morocco in Tough FIFA Arab Cup Group
The draw for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup took place in Qatari capital Doha on Sunday, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament in December, with Saudi Arabia being placed in a compelling Group B. Scheduled from 1 to 18 December, the competition will showcase 16 teams across four groups. Moreover, the event guarantees fierce rivalries and thrilling matches as Arab nations battle for football dominance. Saudi Arabia landed in Group B alongside Morocco, a top contender and fourth-placed team from the Qatar's FIFA 2022 World Cup. The group also includes the winners of two qualification matches: Oman versus Somalia and Yemen versus Comoros. This group presents a tough challenge for the Green Falcons, but it also offers a golden opportunity to showcase their talent and aim for the title. Full Draw of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Group A: Qatar, Tunisia, the winner of Syria vs. South Sudan, and the winner of Libya vs. Palestine. Qatar, Tunisia, the winner of Syria vs. South Sudan, and the winner of Libya vs. Palestine. Group B: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the winner of Oman vs. Somalia, and the winner of Yemen vs. Comoros. Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the winner of Oman vs. Somalia, and the winner of Yemen vs. Comoros. Group C: Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and the winner of Kuwait vs. Mauritania. Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and the winner of Kuwait vs. Mauritania. Group D: Algeria, Iraq, the winner of Bahrain vs. Djibouti, and the winner of Sudan vs. Lebanon. The tournament will follow a straightforward format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. The competition will be held across six iconic Qatari stadiums, including Al Bayt Stadium for the opening match and Lusail Stadium for the final. Fans can expect fierce battles as teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages. Saudi Arabia's Path to Glory Saudi Arabia, a two-time Arab Cup champion, enters the tournament with high hopes. Facing Morocco in the group stage will be a significant test of their capabilities. However, with a strong squad and strategic preparation, the Saudi team has a real chance to progress and compete for the coveted title. Moreover, defending champions Algeria will be under immense pressure to retain their title, with fans closely following their perforances. A Celebration of Football The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup promises to be a celebration of football, bringing together the best teams from the Arab world. Saudi Arabia's journey in Group B will be a testament to their skill, determination, and passion for the game. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to unforgettable moments, breathtaking goals, and the crowning of a new champion. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as we count down to the kickoff of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup! Short link : Post Views: 1


Saudi Gazette
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Hervé Renard names 34-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Australia
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard has announced a 34-man squad for the upcoming June fixtures in the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Green Falcons will face Bahrain away on June 5 at Bahrain National Stadium before returning home to host Australia on June 10 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Both matches form part of Matchdays 9 and 10 of the Asian qualifying campaign. The squad features a mix of experienced regulars and emerging talents, with standout names including captain Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno, Hassan Tambakti, and goalkeepers Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Ahmed Al-Kassar. Among the call-ups are also promising young midfielders such as Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Turki Al-Ammar, while the attacking line will be led by established forwards Saleh Al-Shehri, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, and Firas squad: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Ahmed Al-Kassar, Hamed Youssef, Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, Hassan Kadesh, Jihad Thikri, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Lajami, Hassan Tambakti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Saud Abdulhamid, Muteb Al-Harbi, Nawaf Boushal, Ali Majrashi, Mohammed Bakr, Mukhtar Ali, Musab Al-Juwair, Ali Al-Asmari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Mohamed Kanno, Ali Al-Hassan, Ziyad Al-Juhani, Turki Al-Ammar, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Salem Al-Dawsari, Hammam Al-Hamami, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Ayman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Abdullah Al-Salem, Muhannad Al-Saad, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas squad will convene in Al Khobar for a preparatory training camp beginning Wednesday, May 29. As part of the build-up, Saudi Arabia will hold a closed-door friendly training match against Jordan on May 30 at Al Ettifaq's Ego from Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah have been granted a short-term exemption from the camp due to their participation in the King's Cup final, and will join the national team Arabia are currently drawn in Group C of the third round of Asian qualifying, alongside Japan, Australia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia. With two critical matches ahead, Renard's side will be aiming to solidify their path to North America 2026.


Observer
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Saudi stun Hong Kong, Jordan beat Philippines
MUSCAT, May 8 Saudi Arabia commenced their campaign at the underway 10th AHF Men and Women Asian Beach Handball Championship strongly as they beat Hong Kong by 2-0 on Wednesday night. The Saudi team took the first set 20–14, followed by a dominant second set win at 17–6, earning their first two points in the group. The match began with balanced intensity from both sides. Saudi player Ayman al Bandari opened the scoring with two quick points, only for Hong Kong's Lin Hon to equalise at 2–2. The match remained tightly contested until the final three minutes of the first half, when Saudi players Ahmed al Obaidi and Hassan al Mubarak stepped up with decisive plays, while goalkeeper Siraj al Ibrahim made critical saves to secure the set 20–14. The second half saw a shift in momentum as Saudi Arabia quickly took control. With six points scored in the opening three minutes, led by the outstanding performance of Hassan al Mubarak, the Green Falcons surged ahead. Though Hong Kong's Von En Sung briefly narrowed the gap to 6–2, Saudi Arabia continued to dominate. Hassan al Qassab extended the lead to 12–6, and Hong Kong's Fung Hee missed key chances to close the gap. The Saudis capitalised on every opportunity, sealing the second set 17–6. Saudi player Hussain al Qassab was named Best Player of the Match for his instrumental role in the team's victory. Speaking after the match, Al Qassab said: 'We are very pleased with the first victory in the tournament. Our target is to register positive results in this Asian meet. I would like to thank our head coach Mohammed al Qattan for his directions and technical instructions. This win against Hong Kong will motivate us to show our best in the remaining matches in the tournament,' he added. SECOND LOSS FOR PHILIPPINES In another match, Philippines beach handball team suffered their second straight loss at the Asian Beach Handball event as they lost against Jordan by 2-1 on Wednesday in the second day's matches. In the first match, Philippines received a 2-1 loss against Pakistan in the second match of Group B. In the last match on Wednesday, Iran won against Pakistan 2-0. Iran meet Jordan in a tight clash late on Friday and they will take on Philippines on Sunday. On Friday, five matches will take place at the sands court of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex including two matches in the women's section. India will take on Philippines and the match will start at 6 pm while Hong Kong will face Vietnam at 7 pm. In the men's competition, Jordan will seek another victory as they will take on Iran in a tight tie while Pakistan and India will meet in another fixture of Group B. Saudi Arabia will eye another win as they take on Maldives at 7 pm.