The Saudi national team: Intensive preparations for the 2026 World Cup in New York
The Saudi national team, known as "Al-Akhdar" (The Green), began its training camp in New York City yesterday evening. This training is part of the fourth and final phase of the team's preparation program for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers. The national team delegation arrived in New York to begin this important preparatory phase, which runs until the 13th of this month and includes a friendly match against Ecuador next Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
These preparations are of paramount importance given the Saudi national team's high ambitions to achieve a new milestone in its illustrious football history. The FIFA World Cup has always been the ultimate dream for any national team, the most prestigious tournament that brings together the world's elite teams. The Saudi national team boasts a distinguished history in this tournament, having participated six times previously, the first being in 1994 in the United States, where they achieved a historic feat by reaching the Round of 16. These consecutive appearances underscore the stature of Saudi football on the Asian and international stage, and place upon the current players the responsibility of continuing this footballing legacy.
With the expansion of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to 48 teams, the competition is fiercer and demands more meticulous and professional preparation. This preparatory phase in New York is not just routine training; it is a vital part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at building a complete team capable of navigating the long and arduous Asian qualifiers. Winning these qualifiers is key to securing a place at the global tournament, and it requires the highest levels of physical fitness, tactical cohesion, and mental fortitude from all players and coaching staff.
On the field, the national team players held their training session yesterday evening at the New York City FC training center, under the supervision of head coach Giorgos Donis and his assistant coaching staff. The session began with warm-up exercises to prepare their muscles, followed by passing drills to improve accuracy and control. Next came small-sided games to enhance coordination and understanding between the players, before concluding with various tactical exercises designed to refine their game plans. These exercises aim to improve the players' physical fitness, hone their individual and team skills, and strengthen the understanding between the different lines of the team.
The training session was held without Nawaf Al-Aqidi, who is undergoing a special rehabilitation program under the supervision of the medical staff until his full recovery from injury. Maintaining the players' physical and health readiness is a top priority for any coaching staff, especially with major tournaments and crucial matches approaching. Al-Aqidi's intensive rehabilitation program reflects the great importance placed on ensuring his return to the field at full strength, so he can be a strong addition to the team in upcoming competitions, as any absence of key players could negatively impact the team's performance.
The Saudi national team continues its training this evening (Wednesday) with a session at the New York City FC training center. The first 15 minutes of this session will be open to the media. Opening training sessions to the media enhances transparency and brings fans closer to the team's atmosphere, contributing to building a bridge of communication and support between the team and its supporters. This also allows for comprehensive media coverage of the latest developments, which is crucial for increasing public and media engagement with the national team's journey.
The friendly match against Ecuador is of paramount importance, offering the coaching staff a valuable opportunity to test the players in a competitive international environment, implement various tactical plans, and assess the level of cohesion among the players. Ecuador, with its extensive experience in international tournaments, will provide a suitable challenge, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the Saudi national team, allowing the coaching staff to address them before the official qualifiers begin. These preparatory matches are crucial in determining the starting lineup and preparing the players both mentally and physically for the official matches. Success at this stage will boost confidence and put the team on the right track towards achieving its ambitious goals in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
