The Saudi national team begins preparations for the 2026 World Cup with intensive technical meetings
In a proactive move reflecting the Saudi football authorities' commitment to a strong showing on the international stage, the national team's assistant coaching staff held a series of important meetings with players from Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh clubs who are candidates to join the national team. These actions are part of an early and intensive preparation program to ensure peak readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Meeting details and technical focus
The meetings held by the coaching staff focused heavily on precise technical and physical aspects. During these meetings, a comprehensive review of each player's vital signs and physical statistics was conducted, with an emphasis on the necessity of strict adherence to internationally approved health and nutrition programs for professional players. This scientific approach aims to raise the players' physical and mental fitness levels to match the high tempo of international matches, especially since the upcoming World Cup will demand even greater effort due to the nature and timing of the competition.
The context of the preparations and the importance of the 2026 World Cup
These preparations are particularly important given the historical context of the Saudi national team's participation in the World Cup. Following their historic performance in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and their epic victory over Argentina, expectations among Saudi sports fans have soared. The national team management aims to build upon these achievements, especially since the 2026 edition will see an increase in the number of participating teams, giving Asian and Saudi football a greater opportunity to go far in the tournament. These field visits to clubs are a practical application of the comprehensive professionalization strategy adopted by the Kingdom in the sports sector as part of Vision 2030.
Enhancing integration between the national team and clubs
The meetings also discussed mechanisms for ongoing coordination between the national team's coaching staff and the clubs' coaching staffs, to ensure that training loads do not conflict and that technical methodologies are unified. This direct communication is a cornerstone of modern football, aiming to create an integrated environment that serves the interests of both the player and the national team. This ensures that players are at their peak when called up for international camps, while also maintaining their performance with their clubs in the Saudi Professional League.
Next steps and roadmap
Sources confirmed that these meetings are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a series of scheduled visits that will include Al-Fateh, Al-Akhdoud, and Damac clubs in the coming period. These visits fall within a comprehensive and integrated action plan aimed at preparing players mentally and physically well in advance of upcoming competitions, reflecting the high level of professionalism with which the Saudi national team is currently being managed.
