Al-Hilal's first football team is preparing for a tough and highly anticipated match against Al-Wahda, as part of the eighth round of the AFC Champions League group stage. The match, which will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's home ground, is expected to draw the attention of Asian football fans, as the Blues aim to continue their winning streak.

In preparation for the match, several key players were confirmed absent from the squad. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, manager of Al-Hilal, decided to exclude a number of players for reasons ranging from tactical decisions to injuries. At the top of the list of those excluded was Marcos Leonardo, a purely tactical decision by the Italian coach. This marks the fifth consecutive time Leonardo has been left out, raising questions about the tactical plans Inzaghi intends to employ in the upcoming knockout stages.

The list of absentees also included star player Theo Hernandez, whom Inzaghi was forced to leave out due to injury. The player has not yet fully recovered, having suffered an injury before the last match against Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Professional League. The medical and coaching staff preferred not to risk him to ensure his readiness for the more crucial upcoming matches of the season.

This match holds particular significance within the context of continental competition, as the AFC Champions League, in its new format, serves as the true test for the major clubs in Asia. Al-Hilal boasts a rich history in Asian competitions, being the most decorated club in continental titles, which always places positive pressure on the players and coaching staff to perform in a manner befitting the reputation of the "Leader of Asia.".

Although Al-Hilal has officially secured qualification for the next round of the tournament, the match carries significant weight in terms of consolidating their dominance. The team aims to continue their winning streak and defeat Al-Wahda to guarantee sole possession of the top spot in the group stage standings. Maintaining this lead is crucial not only for morale but also to send a strong message to their opponents in the knockout stages that Al-Hilal is ready to compete for the title. Furthermore, it will allow them to benefit from the advantage of playing against lower-ranked teams in the upcoming draw.

The rotation strategy adopted by Simone Inzaghi, under the pressure of matches and the overlap of local and continental tournaments, reflects the desire of the coaching staff to maintain the fitness stock of the main players, while giving the substitutes the opportunity to prove themselves, especially in light of the influential absences of names such as Leonardo and Hernandez.

The curtain fell today in Riyadh on the 2026 Arabian Horse Local Production Championship , a key event on the Saudi equestrian calendar that directly supports Arabian horse owners and breeders in the Kingdom. The closing ceremony saw the stallion "Kareem Al-Khaled," owned by Al-Ahliya Arabian Horse Stud, crowned champion with the gold medal. The silver medal went to "Anwar Al-Sayed," owned by Al-Sayed Stud, and the bronze to "SK Shaheen," amidst a highly competitive atmosphere that reflected the quality of locally bred horses.

The current edition of the championship witnessed a wide and unprecedented participation, with 240 purebred Arabian horses competing, owned by 151 owners from various regions of the Kingdom, which confirms the rapid growth of this sector and the growing status that the local production championship has gained as a major platform to highlight the beauty and strength of Saudi-origin horses.

The importance of the tournament and its historical context

This championship holds special significance beyond being a sporting event, as it is deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is the ancestral home of the Arabian horse, and its wise leadership has dedicated considerable attention to preserving its lineage and purity. Organizing this championship under the auspices of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center and the Murtajiz Equestrian Center is a continuation of a long tradition of caring for this rich heritage. The Center serves as a reference and oversight body, ensuring the sustainability and development of the breeds according to international standards.

Economic and social impact and keeping pace with the vision

The benefits of these championships extend beyond mere competition, encompassing a tangible economic and social impact. By offering substantial cash prizes to the winners, the championships incentivize owners and breeders to continue improving local breeding stock, thereby enhancing the market value of Saudi Arabian horses both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the accompanying family-oriented events have enriched the entertainment and cultural experience, transforming the championships into a comprehensive tourist and leisure destination.

These efforts directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination in the field of equestrianism, increase the contribution of the sports sector to the gross domestic product, and enhance national identity by celebrating authentic cultural symbols such as the Arabian horse.

Saudi Arabian skiing star Faiq Abdi has completed all his technical and physical preparations for the slalom competition at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The competition is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Monday, at the renowned Stelvio Ski Resort in northern Italy, amidst great anticipation for the Saudi participation in this global event.

Race details and participation timing

According to the approved competition schedule, the first round of the race will begin at 12:00 PM Saudi Arabia time, while the second and decisive round will take place at 3:30 PM. This participation marks the culmination of Abdi's second appearance in the history of the Winter Olympic Games, reflecting the development of winter sports in the Kingdom and its continued presence on the international stage.

A commendable performance in giant skating

The Saudi champion concluded his participation in the Giant Slalom competition held yesterday, Saturday, on the same course. Abdi recorded a total time of 2:53.41 minutes after successfully completing both runs of the race, in a fierce competition that included 81 elite skiers from around the world. This performance reflects his determination and resolve to represent the Kingdom in the best possible way among the sport's giants.

Official support and leadership presence

The Saudi delegation in Italy is receiving significant support and attention. His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and head of the Saudi delegation participating in the Games, attended training sessions and competitions. This presence underscores the Kingdom's sports leadership's commitment to supporting athletes and providing them with all the necessary resources for success, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in the sports sector.

Historical context and strategic importance

Faiq Abdi's participation in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is of particular importance, as it solidifies Saudi Arabia's presence in the Winter Games, which officially and historicly began at the Beijing 2022 Olympics. His continued participation for a second consecutive Games confirms that winter sports in Saudi Arabia are not merely a passing event, but rather part of a long-term strategic plan to diversify the sports in which the Kingdom competes globally. Furthermore, competing on the Stelvio track, one of the most challenging and prestigious tracks in the world, provides the Saudi athlete with invaluable international experience and inspires a new generation of Saudi athletes aspiring to break into unconventional sporting fields.