Saudi women's national team arrive in Cambodia for historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers debut
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian women's national football team arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday ahead of their historic debut in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, marking the team's first-ever official participation in the continent's flagship competition.
The Green Falcons will open their Group B campaign on Sunday, June 29, against the Philippines, with further group matches scheduled against Hong Kong on July 2 and hosts Cambodia on July 5.
This milestone appearance follows a 10-day preparatory camp in Bangkok, Thailand, under head coach Lluis Cortés, during which the squad underwent intensive training focused on tactical, physical, and technical development in a high-performance environment.
Cortés selected a final squad of 23 players for the qualifiers: Sara Khalid, Muna Abdulrahman, Laila Ali, Raghad Mukhayzin, Layan Johari, Nouf Saud, Hala Khashoggi, Farida Ashraf, Shorouq Al-Hawsawi, Bayan Sadaqa, Lana Abdulrazzaq, Sara Al-Hamad, Maryam Al-Tamimi, Basmah Nawaf, Moudhi Abdulmohsen, Maram Al-Yahya, Saba Tawfiq, Ameera Abu Al-Samah, Fadwa Khaled, Fatimah Mansour, Albandari Mubarak, Safa Qaddour, and Shaimaa Mahmoud.
Commenting on the historic moment, Alia Al-Rasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), said: 'This is a defining chapter in our football journey. The team's debut in the Asian Cup qualifiers is a powerful step forward for the women's game in the Kingdom. It reflects our strategic ambition to compete at the highest levels regionally and globally.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
17 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi women's national team arrive in Cambodia for historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers debut
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian women's national football team arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday ahead of their historic debut in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, marking the team's first-ever official participation in the continent's flagship competition. The Green Falcons will open their Group B campaign on Sunday, June 29, against the Philippines, with further group matches scheduled against Hong Kong on July 2 and hosts Cambodia on July 5. This milestone appearance follows a 10-day preparatory camp in Bangkok, Thailand, under head coach Lluis Cortés, during which the squad underwent intensive training focused on tactical, physical, and technical development in a high-performance environment. Cortés selected a final squad of 23 players for the qualifiers: Sara Khalid, Muna Abdulrahman, Laila Ali, Raghad Mukhayzin, Layan Johari, Nouf Saud, Hala Khashoggi, Farida Ashraf, Shorouq Al-Hawsawi, Bayan Sadaqa, Lana Abdulrazzaq, Sara Al-Hamad, Maryam Al-Tamimi, Basmah Nawaf, Moudhi Abdulmohsen, Maram Al-Yahya, Saba Tawfiq, Ameera Abu Al-Samah, Fadwa Khaled, Fatimah Mansour, Albandari Mubarak, Safa Qaddour, and Shaimaa Mahmoud. Commenting on the historic moment, Alia Al-Rasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), said: 'This is a defining chapter in our football journey. The team's debut in the Asian Cup qualifiers is a powerful step forward for the women's game in the Kingdom. It reflects our strategic ambition to compete at the highest levels regionally and globally.'
Saudi Gazette
21 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Al Hilal suffer injury blows ahead of Club World Cup match with Manchester City
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Al Hilal confirmed on Saturday that team captain Salem Al Dawsari will miss the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash against Manchester City due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team's 2-0 win over Mexico's Pachuca. The Saudi international is expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks as he undergoes a rehabilitation program, dealing a significant blow to the Riyadh giants just days before their crucial encounter with the English champions. Injury concerns continue to mount for coach Simone Inzaghi, as Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović is still undergoing treatment and fitness work in the gym. His chances of being fit in time for the Manchester City game are considered slim. Additionally, midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr missed the latest training session in Nashville due to knee pain, while scans revealed a calf muscle injury for forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan, further complicating the squad's Hilal are set to face Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, having advanced from Group H with five points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to implement social insurance for athletes and coaches starting July 1
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Sports and the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) announced on Thursday the official rollout of social insurance coverage for Saudi players and coaches, effective Tuesday, July 1. The initiative extends pension and unemployment protection under Saudi Arabia's Social Insurance Law to Saudi nationals who are full-time athletes and coaches, whether working with clubs inside or outside the Kingdom. The regulation applies to all athletes and coaches employed by sports clubs and federations. The policy covers both the pension and unemployment insurance branches of the system and includes provisions for retroactive application of pension coverage, subject to approval by the relevant GOSI authority and financial penalties for delayed registration. The move is aimed at enhancing long-term social security for Saudi sports professionals, including retirement benefits and support in cases of job Ministry of Sports and GOSI have held several workshops to educate clubs and federations on registration procedures and the system's benefits.
