The Green Falcons will face Egypt and Serbia in preparation for the 2026 World Cup
The Saudi Arabian national football team is preparing to launch a crucial phase of its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by holding an overseas training camp in Qatar from March 22 to 30. This camp coincides with the FIFA international match days, and the team's coaching staff aims to reach peak readiness before the start of the global tournament in June.
An Arab derby and a European clash
The Saudi national team's preparation program includes two high-profile friendlies, beginning with an all-Arab encounter against their Egyptian counterparts on Thursday, March 26. This match holds particular significance given the long history and intense rivalry between the two teams, making it an ideal opportunity to gauge the players' mental and physical readiness against an opponent boasting a large fan base and considerable international experience.
In their second friendly match, the Saudi national team will face Serbia on Monday, March 30. Facing the Serbian school of football is a smart strategic choice by the coaching staff, as the Serbian team is characterized by physical strength and disciplined tactical play, which mirrors the European style of play that the Green Falcons will encounter in the World Cup. This will give the players an opportunity to experience diverse footballing styles.
Ironclad team and major challenges
These intensive preparations come as the national team finds itself in the challenging Group H of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde. This group is considered one of the toughest, featuring former world champions Spain, known for their "tiki-taka" style of play; a tenacious Uruguay side that combines Latin American skill with physical strength; and a rapidly improving Cape Verdean team.
Why Qatar?
Choosing Qatar to host this training camp carries positive connotations, as it evokes memories of the Saudi national team's historic participation in the 2022 World Cup on Qatari soil, including their historic victory over Argentina. Qatar's world-class stadiums and sports facilities provide an ideal environment for preparation, helping the coaching staff implement their tactical plans and finalize the squad that will represent the Kingdom at the prestigious global event.
