In a revealing glimpse into the early preparations for the highly anticipated global tournament, Saudi football legend and retired Al-Hilal star Sami Al-Jaber disclosed details of a private conversation between the Saudi national team's coach, Frenchman Hervé Renard, and his Croatian counterpart, Zlatko Dalić. This occurred on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., amidst a high-level international presence that included former U.S. President Donald Trump and a host of football legends.
Details of the technical meeting in Washington
During his appearance on the MBC program "Our Club," Al-Jaber clarified that the meeting between the two coaches was not merely a courtesy call, but rather a purely technical discussion. The two sides discussed the possibility of arranging an international friendly match between the Saudi national team and Croatia, the runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and third-place finishers in the 2022 World Cup. This initiative stems from a shared desire, particularly on the part of Renard, who seeks to prepare his players by giving them exposure to top-tier footballing styles before the start of official competitions.
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This proposed friendly match is of paramount importance given the draw results, which placed the Saudi national team in a very difficult group alongside Spain (former European and World champions), the tenacious Uruguay, and the improving Cape Verde. Al-Jaber indicated that Renard sees the Croatian national team as the ideal model for tactical emulation; it possesses the technical and tactical quality similar to the Spanish school of football, while simultaneously boasting the physical strength and fighting spirit characteristic of Uruguay, making it the most suitable test to gauge the readiness of the Green Falcons.
The implications of Renard's return and Infantino's influence
In a related context, Al-Jaber addressed the pivotal role played by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in ensuring Renard's presence at the draw ceremony. He noted that Infantino insisted on the French coach's attendance due to his extensive experience, as he prepares to participate in his third World Cup as a coach. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation complied with this request, reflecting the high level of confidence Renard enjoys both internationally and domestically.
2026 World Cup: A new era for football
It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup represents a historic turning point in the history of the world's most prestigious tournament, as it will be co-hosted for the first time by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will also witness an unprecedented expansion with 48 teams instead of 32, increasing the intensity of competition and the diversity of footballing styles. The Saudi national team, buoyed by the memory of its historic victory over Argentina in the previous edition, aims to advance beyond the group stage and present a positive image that reflects the development of sports in the Kingdom, especially given the significant support the sports sector is receiving.
