The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced the start of an early and comprehensive preparation program for the national team, known as "Al-Akhdar" (The Green), in preparation for the anticipated participation in the 2026 World Cup finals. This ambitious plan is based on an institutional work methodology that aims to achieve full integration with the clubs of the Saudi Professional League and to utilize scientific data analysis to ensure that the players reach the highest levels of technical and physical readiness before the start of the global event.
Historical context and renewed ambitions
These intensive preparations come against the backdrop of a rich history for the Saudi national team in the World Cup finals, having participated in six previous editions. Their most notable achievement was reaching the Round of 16 in their debut appearance in 1994 in the United States. In the most recent edition in Qatar in 2022, the Saudi team captured the world's attention with a historic victory over Argentina, the eventual champions. This background sets high expectations for Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup, which will see the number of participating teams increased to 48, opening up even greater opportunities for Saudi football to achieve another milestone.
Details of the integrated plan
The first phase of the program began by officially contacting the clubs and informing them of the approved plan, along with identifying an initial list of 80 players who will undergo close and comprehensive monitoring. This monitoring includes technical, physical, and medical aspects, through direct and continuous communication with the clubs' technical and medical staff. This approach reflects a strategic partnership aimed at unifying efforts to serve the best interests of the players, the clubs, and the national team alike.
A precise scientific methodology
The national team's technical and medical staff rely on analyzing data from the performance tracking devices (GPS) used by players at their clubs, in full coordination with the relevant departments there. The medical staff also implements a comprehensive program to measure players' vital and physical indicators, such as sleep patterns, nutrition, body fat percentage, and muscle composition. This process aims to build a comprehensive database that supports technical decision-making and the design of customized fitness programs for each player, as well as managing training loads and monitoring the recovery programs of injured players to ensure their return in the best possible condition.
Importance and expected impact
The importance of this program extends beyond the sporting aspect, reflecting the significant development the Kingdom is witnessing across all sectors within the framework of Vision 2030. Locally, this early planning enhances the value of the Saudi Professional League (SPL) as one of the region's top leagues and confirms that investing in attracting international stars also contributes to the development of Saudi players. Regionally, these steps solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in sports planning in Asia and the Middle East. Internationally, a strong performance in the upcoming World Cup will bolster the global reputation of Saudi football and confirm that the victory over Argentina was not a fluke, but rather the result of long-term strategic planning and effort.
Next practical steps
As part of their preparations, the national team will hold a training camp in Qatar during the international break in March, which will include two high-profile friendly matches against Egypt and Serbia. These matches aim to assess the players' readiness and implement various tactical plans, while the team management simultaneously analyzes the performance of the other teams in the Saudi Arabia-led World Cup group.
