The Saudi national football team began its first training session this evening, Sunday, as part of its preparatory camp in Jeddah. These intensive preparations are part of the third phase of its long-term program to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coinciding with the FIFA-approved international break for March. The coaching staff aims to assess the players' physical and technical readiness before the upcoming friendly matches.
Details of the Saudi national team's training camp and upcoming matches
The training camp is scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia, from March 22nd to 31st. According to the approved schedule, the Saudi national team will host Egypt in a high-profile friendly match on March 27th, after which the team will travel to Europe to play Serbia in a second friendly on March 31st.
On the field, the Saudi national team players held their first training session at the King Abdullah Sports City auxiliary stadium in Jeddah, under the supervision of head coach Hervé Renard. The session began with various fitness exercises to improve physical conditioning, followed by a detailed tactical drill to implement specific plays, and concluded with a full-field scrimmage to test positioning and speed of ball movement.
History of Arab clashes: A football derby with an international flavor
It's impossible to discuss a match between Saudi Arabia and Egypt without mentioning the rich historical legacy that unites these two brotherly nations. Their encounters are considered an Arab derby, attracting widespread public and media attention both regionally and internationally. Historically, the two teams have met on several crucial occasions, most notably the famous 1999 Confederations Cup match, which ended in a Saudi victory, and the historic group stage match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which Saudi Arabia won 2-1. This historical background adds a layer of rivalry and excitement to any match between them, even friendly ones, as each side strives to prove its footballing superiority.
The importance of the current stage on the road to the 2026 World Cup
This preparatory phase is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching impact. Locally, Saudi fans eagerly anticipate the development of a strong generation capable of continuing the club's achievements and presenting a positive image befitting the remarkable progress Saudi sports have recently witnessed. Regionally and internationally, the Saudi national team is one of the leading footballing forces in Asia, and its thorough preparation for the 2026 World Cup – which will be held in its new format with 48 participating teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – sends a powerful message to its rivals. Friendly matches against teams with diverse footballing styles provide the coaching staff with a golden opportunity to test the players' tactical flexibility and correct any errors before the official start of the qualifiers.
Updates on the health condition of defender Hassan Tambakti
In a related development, training saw the notable absence of a key defensive player, Hassan Tambakti, who did not participate in the group training session. This absence was due to the player experiencing sudden pain in his thigh muscle. To ensure his well-being, the medical staff directed him to undergo an MRI scan at a specialized hospital in Jeddah to accurately determine the nature of the injury and the necessary treatment and rehabilitation period before making a decision regarding his participation in upcoming matches.
Preparations continue in closed environments
On the other hand, and in order to enhance focus and avoid distractions, the national team continues its daily training sessions. The next training session is scheduled for 7:00 PM tomorrow, Monday. The coaching and administrative staff have announced that this session will be completely closed to the media and the public, allowing the coach to implement his tactical plans in complete secrecy and prepare the most suitable lineup for the upcoming challenges.
