Saudi football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the training camp in Jeddah . This camp represents a crucial step in the third phase of the intensive preparation program for the 2026 World Cup finals. The players will settle into their accommodation in Jeddah, ready to begin training during the international break (FIFA days) this March, with high hopes of delivering performances worthy of Saudi football's reputation and continuing to achieve continental and global success.
Training and match schedule for the Green Team's camp in Jeddah
The Saudi national team will hold its first training session this evening at the King Abdullah Sports City training grounds in Jeddah. These sessions will be closed to the media to ensure complete focus among the players and coaching staff. The Green Falcons' training camp in Jeddah and Serbia will run from March 22nd to 31st. This period will include several high-profile friendly matches, with the Saudi team hosting their Egyptian counterparts on March 27th at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Following this, the Green Falcons will depart for Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday, March 28th, for two training sessions before their second friendly match against Serbia on March 31st.
A remarkable career and renewed ambitions in the World Cup
The Saudi national team boasts a distinguished history in the World Cup finals, having participated in six previous editions and leaving an unforgettable mark since their debut in the 1994 USA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16. The world still remembers the historic victory achieved by the "Green Falcons" against Argentina in the group stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This rich footballing legacy places a significant responsibility on the shoulders of the current generation, making early and meticulous preparations crucial to securing qualification and delivering an exceptional performance in the upcoming edition, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.
Strategic dimensions of preparing the first and reserve national teams
The importance of this preparatory phase extends beyond the first team, encompassing the establishment of a solid foundation for the future of Saudi football and its regional and international influence. In this context, a parallel training camp for the national team (B) is being held in Jeddah during the same period. This camp is under the direct supervision of the first team's head coach, Frenchman Hervé Renard, while the technical leadership is provided by Italian coach Luigi Di Biagio, coach of the under-23 national team.
This strategic move reflects the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's vision of broadening the pool of available talent and fostering a healthy competitive environment between young and experienced players. This dual approach ensures the Kingdom's continued sporting excellence and enhances opportunities to discover new talents capable of representing the nation in major international competitions, most notably the crucial Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thus solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading football power in the Middle East and Asia.
