In a strategic move aimed at building a strong and competitive team for the future, the coaching staff of the Saudi national team, led by Italian coach Roberto Mancini, is continuing its intensive program of field visits to clubs in the Saudi Professional League. These visits are part of the long-term preparation plan for participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The latest round of visits included Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadisiyah, and Al-Khaleej clubs, continuing the first phase that began earlier. This initiative, overseen by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, aims to enhance technical integration and standardize working methods between the national team and clubs, ensuring close and continuous monitoring of international players and those aspiring to join the national team.
General context and importance of visits
These visits are particularly important given the significant growth Saudi football is experiencing. With the Roshan League attracting international stars, the level of competition has risen considerably, requiring local players to continuously improve their technical and physical abilities. This is where the national team's coaching staff plays a crucial role in closely monitoring this development and ensuring that players considered for the national team are keeping pace with this high level of performance.
Historically, the Saudi national team boasts a rich history of World Cup appearances, having qualified six times previously. Their most notable participation was in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they achieved a historic victory over eventual champions Argentina. The current coaching staff aims to build upon this legacy and transform the "Green Falcons" from mere participants into genuine contenders on the international stage.
Expected impact and future goals
At the local level, these visits contribute to strengthening the relationship between the Saudi Federation and the clubs, creating a collaborative working environment that serves the best interests of Saudi football as a whole. Through these visits, the assistant coaching staff gains insight into the players' technical, physical, and medical conditions, and discusses mechanisms for joint coordination with the clubs' technical staff, ensuring that club programs align with the national team's preparation requirements for international competitions.
At both the regional and international levels, this professional approach reflects the Kingdom's ambitious vision for the sports sector. Early planning for the 2026 World Cup is not only aimed at achieving positive results, but also represents a crucial step in building a team capable of delivering a strong performance at the 2034 World Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. A strong national team enhances the Saudi League's standing as one of the world's top leagues and elevates the profile of Asian football in general.
The program of visits is scheduled to continue during the coming period to include a number of other Roshan League clubs, with the aim of reviewing the progress of the preparation of all nominated players, and ensuring the highest levels of readiness before the start of the decisive qualifiers and upcoming international events.
