Saudis resume preparation for their Australia clash of the World Cup Asian qualifiers
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Tuesday's match is the final round of the third stage of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the field, head coach Herve Renard limited the session to a recovery workout at the team's health club, involving all players following previous intensive training days.
Players Muhannad Al-Saad and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti have started their individual rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the fitness coach working their way back to full strength.
Following the recovery session, Renard gave the squad a period of free time, with players scheduled to regroup at the team's camp later on Friday evening.
The Green Falcons will continue their training on Saturday with a closed-door session set to take place at the reserve pitch of King Abdullah Sports City at 7:00 p.m.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain 2-0 in Riffa to tee up a showdown with Australia for the second automatic spot in AFC FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C.
Thursday's win keeps Saudi third, three points behind Australia, although with a far inferior goal difference. The Socceroos stand at second place with 16 points from nine matches, having scored 14 goals and conceded 6.
The Green Falcons have so far bagged six goals and conceded the same with 13 points in third spot. They have to win 8-0 against Australia to climb up to second place and qualify directly, otherwise they move on to the next group phase.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
Can Inzaghi and Al-Hilal go all the way?
RIYADH: Al-Hilal are the talk of the football world after their sensational 4-3 win over Manchester City in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. Ahead of their quarterfinal against Brazil's Fluminense on Friday, Arab News asked three experts on Saudi Arabia football how Al-Hilal can continue to upset the odds and potentially reach and win the final. Pure emotion #FIFACWC | Watch free on @daznfootball — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 1, 2025 'If Al-Hilal are in any European competition then they would be in the top four and there is no doubt that when Fluminense look at the Hilal team, they will not be underestimating them. 'In football everything is possible and Hilal can go all the way. I always tell my players to dream big, this is what football is all about. 'But it is important that Hilal don't look forward too much, the next match is always the important one. There is a chance that after City the players may underestimate Fluminense and that is not possible at this level. 'They should involve the Brazilian players who can tell them about Fluminense. 'The game will be totally different to the City game. In that, they were the underdog and you have to defend much more than against Fluminense. 'When I look at Inzaghi's tactics, he is always trying to play in a compact 4-5-1 formation and he will ensure that the system is not too different. 'There is a danger in that South America football is more physical and that may be something that the players are not used to. 'But now there is a good vibe around Al-Hilal. If Al-Dawsari can return that will be great as he adds creativity.' 'Al-Hilal's path to the Club World Cup final has certainly opened up after their stunning upset win over Manchester City. It was a landmark moment, not just for the club but for Saudi football. 'While the challenge on paper might look easier against Fluminense, it's likely to be anything but. 'One has to consider the context and circumstances of the victory against Manchester City, which was achieved without three of their starting XI, who will all be absent again against Fluminense. 'Not to mention the physical and emotional toll that the 120 minutes in Orlando would have taken. But having slayed the Premier League giant, they'll attack that game with a renewed sense of vigor. 'Should they get through, then a likely semifinal against Chelsea awaits, although one can never discount Palmeiras. But having beaten one Premier League giant already this tournament, facing Chelsea would hold no fears for them. 'And then it would likely be Real Madrid or PSG in the final, and having already gone toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the opening game, and even shading that game for large parts, that is another that would hold no fear for Al-Hilal. 'Of course, as fun as it is to speculate, it's all still hypothetical and Al-Hilal cannot allow itself to think any further than Fluminense this week. Having dispensed of Inter Milan, they have shown they also should not be taken lightly. 'But after defeating the might of Manchester City, Al-Hilal will now believe anything is possible.' 'While it is premature to talk of the draw opening up for Al-Hilal, there is no doubt that the road to the final looks rockier on the other side. 'The biggest challenge may be coming back down to Earth after the win against Manchester City. 'Coach Inzaghi talked of how his team climbed Everest without oxygen against the European powerhouse, and while those words were perfect, the message has to now change. 'The summit is within sight but is still some distance away. 'Hilal are the talk of the football world, and that is a unique position for an Asian club to be in. Maybe now the pressure is off, the tournament will always be remembered as a success, whatever happens. 'Or maybe it will be hard, both physically (after 120 grueling minutes in the heat) and mentally, to recover from the last game. 'And, Fluminense will now be very wary, if they weren't before. Inzaghi was happy to let City have most of the ball and City were happy to have it. Hilal were hugely impressive on the counter, but Fluminense are not likely to make the same mistakes that City did defensively. 'Korea's Ulsan gave the Brazilian(s) many problems but couldn't kill the game when they were ahead and eventually paid the price. Taking chances will be key. 'If Salem Al-Dawsari plays, then he could be the difference, though Hilal would love to have the physical presence of Aleksandar Mitrovic. 'A win means the last four and there is nobody to fear. If it is Chelsea in the semifinal then the London team are awkward opponents and able to pull off results when needed but they are a level below the elite of Europe. 'And that is Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern. Surely one of those will make the final. 'Hilal have impressed but would, rightly, be clear underdogs. Hilal are not expected to win but they have shown that they are capable of doing so. 'First though, that cliche has to be repeated all around the training ground over the next day or two 'one game at a time.''
Al Arabiya
10 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Tyson Fury will return to Riyadh Season in 2026: Turki Alalshikh
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will come out of retirement and return to the ring next year, according to Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. Fury, 36, called time on his career in January after losing his rematch for the WBA (Super), WBO and WBC world heavyweight titles against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. 'The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026 ... We have a rabbit to hunt!' Alalshikh posted on social media alongside a picture of him shaking hands with Fury. The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026 ... 🥊 We have a rabbit to hunt! 🐰🐇 — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 2, 2025 Fury, whose last three fights were in Saudi Arabia, reacted to the post by writing: 'Let's see what 2026 brings' along with dollar signs, a winking face and laughing emojis. He also spoke to reporters at an International Boxing Association event in Istanbul on Wednesday, naming Usyk as the boxer he most wanted to fight if he returned to the ring. 'Who would I rather fight, right now? Usyk. Because I want my revenge in England,' he said. 'I don't believe I've got a fair shout the last two times. That's all I want. I want a fair shout, and I don't believe I've got a fair shout the last two times. 'That's the one I want, but if I don't get that then it'd be (Anthony) Joshua, the biggest British fight that will ever happen.'
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Arab News
NEOM and McLaren light up Trafalgar Square with bold vision and design
LONDON: In a celebration of speed, innovation and cross-continental ambition, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team on Wednesday unveiled a bold new livery, marking a major moment in their partnership. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Their redesigned Formula E car — wearing a vivid blue 'away kit' inspired by NEOM's industrial hub Oxagon — was revealed at Trafalgar Square as part of McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day public experience in the city packed with fan interactions, high-tech exhibits, and team appearances. It represents more than simply a new paint job; it is a visual embodiment of a partnership that aims to accelerate sustainable transformation and push the boundaries of sport, tech and industry. The new look, developed jointly by NEOM and McLaren, retains the team's signature papaya touches but introduces vibrant tones inspired by the identity of Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM focusing on clean, connected manufacturing. 'This isn't just about a new look,' said Ian James, the managing director and team principal of McLaren Electric Racing. 'It symbolizes the deeper connection between McLaren's racing heritage and Oxagon's vision for clean, connected industry. 'NEOM has been with us since the very beginning and now, with this second bespoke livery, we have another opportunity to showcase what the partnership truly represents.' In an exclusive interview with Arab News, James praised the enthusiasm he has witnessed among the Saudi youth and said the partnership with NEOM continues to inspire and have a real impact. 'What's incredible about NEOM is that it really is a blueprint for how we can live in the future,' he said. 'It's all about sustainable innovation, something we at McLaren strive to embody through our own technology and engineering.' James also touched on the success of the Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator business-development program. 'Some of the startups we've supported are already piloting next-gen tech, like predictive maintenance systems and robotic container handling,' he said. 'These are not just ideas; they're becoming reality.' Team drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard also shared their views on the partnership with NEOM. Bird, a seasoned Formula E competitor, said the collaboration fits seamlessly with McLaren's own mindset. 'This partnership works so well because NEOM's core values of pushing boundaries, innovation and technology mirror what we believe in at McLaren,' Bird said. 'Every time I visit NEOM I'm blown away by how fast it's expanding and the scale of ambition.' He also hinted at what lies ahead: 'I know NEOM is developing a bespoke race track as part of a new car club — and if we ever got to race there, that would be unbelievable.' Barnard, one of the team's younger talents, noted the ways in which the partnership has influenced his own developing career. 'Formula E is about future-focused racing, and NEOM is the very definition of a future-focused project,' he said. 'Being part of something like this is not only exciting for us drivers, it has the potential to inspire a whole new generation, especially in Saudi Arabia.' Reflecting on his visits to NEOM, Barnard added: 'It's a fascinating environment, and as a young driver it makes me optimistic. This kind of global collaboration shows what's possible when sport and innovation work hand in hand.' Vishal Wanchoo, the CEO of Oxagon said: 'When you combine McLaren's performance DNA with Oxagon's clean industrial mission, you don't just build cars, you shape the future of industry.' The team's takeover of Trafalgar Square was not just about the spectacle. It offered Londoners, and visiting international fans, the chance to get up close with McLaren racing cars used in F1, IndyCar, Formula E, and more. Children from local schools took part in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, and fans of all ages had a chance to try out racing simulators, pit-stop challenges, and virtual reaction walls. With the ABB FIA Formula E season finale set to take place in London on July 26 and 27, the NEOM McLaren team is not just chasing results on the track, it aims to redefine what racing partnerships can look like in a changing world. As the crowd gathered beneath the towering lions of Trafalgar Square, one thing was certain: this was about more than motorsport. It was a statement. A platform. And if NEOM and McLaren have their way, it will be just the beginning.
