The Saudi sports scene is gearing up for the start of the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah from January 6th to 25th. In this context, the squad announced by the Italian coach of the Saudi Olympic national team, Luigi Di Biagio, includes Al-Qadisiyah midfielder Musab Al-Juwair, who will be a key player for the Green Falcons in this important continental tournament.
The importance of the tournament and the Kingdom's hosting
This edition of the tournament holds special significance as it is being held in Saudi Arabia, where the Kingdom seeks to reaffirm its sporting leadership in Asia, not only in terms of organization but also through competing for the title. Hosting the event in Riyadh and Jeddah presents an ideal opportunity for Saudi fans to support the rising stars up close, placing a significant responsibility on the selected players to represent their nation in the best possible way.
The impact of Musab Al-Juwair's absence on Al-Qadisiyah
The call-up of Musab Al-Juwair to the national team is a source of pride for his club, but it also presents a significant tactical challenge for Al-Qadisiyah. The 22-year-old, who joined the team from Al-Hilal in the summer transfer window of the 2025/2026 season, has become an indispensable part of the starting lineup. His impact is evident in his statistics: he has participated in 13 matches this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 892 minutes of play, making him a key player in the team's midfield.
Matches that Al-Juwair will miss
Should the Saudi Olympic team advance to the final, Al-Qadisiyah will be without their star player for approximately six crucial league matches, which could impact the team's performance. The list of matches he is expected to miss includes some high-profile encounters, most notably:
- Sunday, January 4: Al-Qadisiyah vs. Al-Riyadh.
- Thursday, January 8: A tough match against Al-Nasr.
- Wednesday, January 14: Al-Qadisiyah vs. Al-Fayha.
- Sunday, January 18: Al-Hazm vs. Al-Qadisiyah.
- Thursday, January 22: A highly anticipated classic match against Al-Ittihad.
Green List and Championship Group
Coach Di Biagio's squad includes 23 players from Saudi Arabia's elite talent pool, among them Hamed Yousef, Salem Al-Najdi, Abdullah Radif, and Al-Juwair. The team begins its campaign in Group A, whose matches will be held in Jeddah, where they will face strong opponents from Vietnam, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. The coaching staff aims to achieve the necessary cohesion during the training camp, which begins this evening, Thursday, to compete strongly for the continental title.
