Saudi Football /SaudiFootball en Free entry for fans as Ƶ face crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia /node/2603859/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-06-08 20:19</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Fans will be granted free entry to Al-Inma Stadium on Tuesday as Ƶ take on Australia in a must-win World Cup qualifier, the Saudi Football Federation announced on Sunday.</p> <p> The final match of the third round of Asia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Jeddah, with more than 60,000 supporters expected at the stadium.</p> <p> The federation’s decision to open the gates free of charge was confirmed via the national team’s fan council on social media platform X, citing “appreciation of the support from the nation’s fans.”</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/08/4610036-1943606296.png" width="1000" height="598" alt=" Fans will be granted free entry to Al-Inma Stadium on Tuesday as Ƶ take on Australia in a must-win World Cup qualifier. (X/@SaudiNTFans)" title=" Fans will be granted free entry to Al-Inma Stadium on Tuesday as Ƶ take on Australia in a must-win World Cup qualifier. (X/@SaudiNTFans)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/soccer">soccer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/saudi-arabia">Ƶ</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/australia">Australia</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup">FIFA World Cup</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/2026-fifa-world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a></div></div></div> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:24:16 +0000 daniel.fountain 2603859 at Green Falcons beat Bahrain to set up FIFA World Cup qualifier showdown with Australia /node/2603534/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/111606">AFP</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-06-05 21:54</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIFFA: Ƶ defeated Bahrain 2-0 in Riffa on Thursday to tee up a showdown with Australia for the second automatic spot in AFC FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C.</p> <p> With Australia snatching a last-minute victory against already qualified Japan earlier, Herve Renard's men had to win to push the race for second to Tuesday.</p> <p> The Saudis got off to the perfect start, when on 16 minutes rising star Musab Al Juwayr met captain Salem Al-Dawsari's pinpoint cross to the back post to volley home.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/05/4609098-1000599365.jpg" width="2595" height="1933" alt="Ƶ’s Musab Al-Juwayr celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)" title="Ƶ’s Musab Al-Juwayr celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/soccer">soccer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/saudi-arabia">Ƶ</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bahrain">Bahrain</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup">FIFA World Cup</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/2026-fifa-world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifier">FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier</a></div></div></div> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:57:00 +0000 daniel.fountain 2603534 at Al-Hilal sign Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as new coach /node/2603422/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-06-05 00:53</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ giants Al-Hilal announced on Thursday Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach, replacing Jorge Jesus who was fired last month.</p> <p> The announcement was made in a video posted on the club’s X account shortly after midnight.</p> <p> “My name is Simone Inzaghi. And today begins my story with Al-Hilal,” he says at the end of the 40-second clip.</p> <p> He is shown wearing his customary black suit, tying his shoes, putting on a watch and adjusting his tie.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/05/4608759-1191546227.jpg" width="1000" height="590" alt="" title="The former Inter manager joins Riyadh’s Al-Hilal. (Al-Hilal)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiProLeague">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/splal-hilal">SPLAl-Hilal</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-pro-league-0">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:54:29 +0000 Mahad 2603422 at Green Falcons finalize preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier /node/2603272/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tue, 2025-06-03 23:06</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> DHAHRAN: The Ƶn national football team concluded a key training session on Tuesday evening as preparations intensify for their upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Bahrain.</p> <p> Their crucial qualifier will kick off this Thursday as part of the ninth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.</p> <p> Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the Green Falcons trained at Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the session featuring warm-ups, passing drills, tactical exercises, and a full-pitch training match between two squads.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/03/4608387-1101898190.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="The Ƶn national football team concluded a key training session on Tuesday evening as preparations intensify for their upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Bahrain. (Supplied)" title="The Ƶn national football team concluded a key training session on Tuesday evening as preparations intensify for their upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Bahrain. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/soccer">soccer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/saudi-arabia">Ƶ</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bahrain">Bahrain</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup">FIFA World Cup</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/2026-fifa-world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a></div></div></div> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:11:21 +0000 daniel.fountain 2603272 at Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier /node/2603024/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-06-01 23:48</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.</p> <p> Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the session at Ettifaq Club Stadium featured warm-ups, possession drills, tactical exercises, and stretching routines.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/01/4607785-1659011829.jpg" width="1000" height="600" alt="The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (SaudiNT)" title="The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (SaudiNT)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/soccer">soccer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/saudi-arabia">Ƶ</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bahrain">Bahrain</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup">FIFA World Cup</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup-2026">FIFA World Cup 2026</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifier">FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier</a></div></div></div> Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:51:28 +0000 daniel.fountain 2603024 at Green Falcons hold Alkhobar training session in preparation for World Cup qualifiers /node/2602895/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-05-31 20:15</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> KHOBAR: The Saudi national football team held a training session on Saturday in Alkhobar, as they continue preparing for the decisive ninth and 10th rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.</p> <p> French coach Herve Renard supervised the team as they held a light recovery session at the health facilities of the Green Falcons’ base camp, a media statement said.</p> <p> Injured left back Muteb Al-Harbi continued his rehabilitation program under the medical staff’s supervision, while teammate Mohammed Bakr resumed physical training with the team’s fitness coach.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/31/4607415-1514159466.jpg" width="670" height="447" alt="" title="The Saudi national football team held a training session on Saturday in Alkhobar, as they continue preparing for the decisive ninth and 10th rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (File)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-national-football-team">Saudi national football team</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/2026-fifa-world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a></div></div></div> Sat, 31 May 2025 17:17:35 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602895 at Benzema’s double strike gives Al-Ittihad the double /node/2602808/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/181676">John Duerden</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-05-30 23:46</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: Karim Benzema scored twice as Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Qadsiah 3-1 on Friday to lift the King Cup and complete the double after winning the Saudi Pro League title earlier in May.</p> <p> At a delighted King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, the Frenchman scored in each half to give the Tigers another trophy to celebrate with their fans. It marked a 10th King Cup triumph for the club to go along with its 10th league success.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/30/4607182-1196165663.jpg" width="1099" height="693" alt="" title="Karim Benzema scored twice as Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Qadsiah 3-1 on Friday to lift the King Cup and complete the double after winning the Saudi Pro League title earlier in May. (Photos:X/@HQpcrt &amp; @SPL_EN/AFP))" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/30/4607184-653807181.jpg" width="845" height="533" alt="" title="Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates during their Saudi King Cup — Final — against Al-Qadsiah — King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, May 30, 2025. (Reuters)" /></div><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/30/4607211-757993712.jpeg" width="1000" height="1000" alt="X/@SPL_EN" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/king-cup">King Cup</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-ittihad-1">Al-Ittihad</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/al-qadsiah-0">Al-Qadsiah</a></div></div></div> Fri, 30 May 2025 20:50:49 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602808 at Al-Nassr working on renewing Ronaldo deal, says club chief /node/2602730/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/225841">Reuters</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Reuters</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">ID:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">1748594707267217700</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-05-30 06:48</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Al-Nassr are negotiating with Cristiano Ronaldo over a contract extension but face competition from a host of clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d’Or winner, the Saudi side’s sporting director Fernando Hierro said on Thursday.</p> <p> Speculation over the 40-year-old Portuguese forward’s future intensified after Al-Nassr’s season-ending match at Al-Fateh on Monday, with Ronaldo posting on social media: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/30/4606987-734297326.jpg" width="1130" height="753" alt="" title="Al-Nassr’s sporting director Fernando Hierro said: “We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.” (Reuters)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiProLeague">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spl-al-nassr">SPL Al-Nassr</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-pro-league-0">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div> Fri, 30 May 2025 08:49:37 +0000 rbksa 2602730 at Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers /node/2602678/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-29 23:58</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.</p> <p> French coach Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, a media statement said.</p> <p> The training session began with warm-up training followed by tactical exercises and a half-field game, before it concluded with stretching routines aimed at muscle recovery and injury prevention.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/30/4606853-758710558.jpg" width="1031" height="614" alt="" title="The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-national-football-team">Saudi national football team</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/2026-fifa-world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a></div></div></div> Thu, 29 May 2025 21:01:26 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602678 at ‘Al-Ittihad fans will be influential against Al-Qadsiah’ in King Cup final, says Laurent Blanc /node/2602639/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/235456">SALEH FAREED</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-29 18:51</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad head coach Laurent Blanc confirmed the team’s full readiness, predicting that Al-Ittihad fans will be influential against Al-Qadsiah when they meet on Friday in the King Cup final at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.</p> <p> Blanc spoke to the press on Thursday ahead of the King Cup final, saying: “Al-Qadsiah are a strong rival, and I know how dangerous they are. Of course, they have ambitions to win the title. They have distinguished players, and they have speed, but my team are fully prepared for this match and will be ready to fight, enjoy and win.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/29/4606752-1497871046.jpg" width="963" height="733" alt="" title="Al-Ittihad head coach Laurent Blanc and captain Karim Benzema in front of the King Cup trophy ahead of Friday’s final match against Al-Qadsiah at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. (Supplied)" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/29/4606753-1353609061.jpg" width="924" height="619" alt="" title="Al-Qadsiah’s head coach, Míchel González and defender Nacho Fernandez in front of the King Cup trophy ahead of Friday’s final match against Al-Ittihad at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/king-cup">King Cup</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/michel-gonzalez">Michel Gonzalez</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/al-qadsiah-0">Al-Qadsiah</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-ittihad-1">Al-Ittihad</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/laurent-blanc">Laurent Blanc</a></div></div></div> Thu, 29 May 2025 15:58:37 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602639 at Benzema named Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season after Al-Ittihad title triumph /node/2602587/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/235456">SALEH FAREED</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-29 12:34</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema was declared the winner of 2024-2025 Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season award after the season’s conclusion on Monday.</p> <p> According to the league's official X account on Wednesday, the French forward claimed the award after scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists during the Jeddah club’s title-winning campaign.</p> <p> The award for Best Saudi Player went to Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari who enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring 15 goals and making 15 assists as his team finished second in the league.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/29/4606624-596427771.jpeg" width="1000" height="696" alt="" title="Karim Benzema played a pivotal role in Al-Ittihad’s 2024-25 Saudi Pro League triumph. (X: @ittihad_en)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiProLeague">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-pro-league-0">Saudi Pro League</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spl-al-ittihad">SPL Al-ittihad</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spl-al-hilal">SPL Al-Hilal</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spl-al-nassr">SPL Al-Nassr</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/salem-al-dawsari">Salem Al-dawsari</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spl-al-shabab">SPL Al-Shabab</a></div></div></div> Thu, 29 May 2025 09:39:02 +0000 Arbee 2602587 at Al-Ittihad fans attain record-breaking attendance for Roshn Saudi League season /node/2602507/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wed, 2025-05-28 19:08</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Al-Ittihad supporters have emerged as the most dedicated fans throughout the Roshn Saudi League 2024/2025 season with a total number of 594,326 attendees.</p> <p> Al-Ahli fans came in second with 354,019 attendees, according to official data released on Wednesday via Saudi Pro League’s Arabic handle on X.</p> <p> This year’s champions, Al-Ittihad, were the only club where fans passed the half-a-million attendance mark, out of a total number of 2.5 million supporters who attended the whole RSL.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/28/4606429-1584233738.jpg" width="1186" height="711" alt="" title=" Al-Ittihad supporters have emerged as the most dedicated fans throughout the Roshn Saudi League 2024/2025 season with a total number of 594,326 attendees. (X/@SPL_EN)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiProLeague">Saudi Pro League</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-ittihad-0">Al Ittihad</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/roshn-saudi-league-rsl">Roshn Saudi League (RSL)</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-ahli">Al-Ahli</a></div></div></div> Wed, 28 May 2025 16:11:02 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602507 at Coach Michel Gonzalez readies Al-Qadsiah for King Cup final /node/2602376/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tue, 2025-05-27 19:06</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez put his Al-Qadsiah team through a light training session on Tuesday as they prepare for Friday’s King Cup final showdown against Al-Ittihad.<br /> Al-Qadsiah qualified for the final after beating Al-Raed 1–0 in the semifinal. Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shabab 3–2 to secure their spot.<br /> Gonzalez left several of his first team players out of Monday’s Saudi Roshn League away clash with Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena, which they lost 2-0.<br /></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/27/4606087-1719165894.jpg" width="1155" height="714" alt="" title="Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez put his Al-Qadsiah team through a light training session on Tuesday as they prepare for Friday’s King Cup final showdown against Al-Ittihad. (X/@AlQadsiahEN)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-qadsiah-0">Al-Qadsiah</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/al-ittihad-1">Al-Ittihad</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/king-cup">King Cup</a></div></div></div> Tue, 27 May 2025 16:10:15 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2602376 at Galeno returns to Al-Ahli squad ahead of season finale /node/2602086/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/khaled-al-arafah">Khaled Al-Arafah</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-05-25 13:37</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> Brazilian winger Wanderson Galeno has rejoined Al-Ahli’s first team after a three-week absence due to injury, the club confirmed on Saturday.</p> <p> Al-Ahli announced via its official X platform account that Galeno has returned to full training, making him available for selection in Monday’s crucial clash against Al-Riyadh — the 34th and final round of the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League).</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/25/4605384-854914962.jpeg" width="1638" height="1441" alt="" title="Al-Ahli announced via its official X platform account that Wanderson Galeno has returned to full training. (X: @ALAHLI_FCEN)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football-0">football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spl-al-ahli">SPL Al-Ahli</a></div></div></div> Sun, 25 May 2025 10:39:51 +0000 Arbee 2602086 at Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round /node/2601911/sport <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-05-23 23:08</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be fighting relegation during the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) final round on Monday with matches being played simultaneously.</p> <p> Two out of the three clubs will join Al-Raed, who have already been relegated to the first division. As things stand, Al-Wehda is in 15th place with 33 points, Al-Akhdood is in 16th place with 31 points and Al-Orobah is in 17th place with 30 points.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/23/4604945-274804045.jpg" width="1183" height="687" alt="" title="Three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be fighting relegation during the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) final round on Monday with matches being played simultaneously. (X/@ALAKHDOUD)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/sport">Sport</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/football">Football</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/SaudiProLeague">Saudi Pro League</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/SaudiFootball">Saudi Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-pro-league-spl">Saudi Pro League (SPL)</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/al-wehda-0">Al-Wehda</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/al-akhdood">Al-Akhdood</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/al-orobah-0">Al-Orobah</a></div></div></div> Fri, 23 May 2025 20:11:03 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2601911 at