Saudi football is entering a pivotal and crucial phase of challenge and hard work, as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, led by Yasser Al-Misehal and his colleagues, faces historic obligations that allow no room for half-measures. We have reached a stage that demands reaping the rewards of planning and returning to the podium, especially after a long absence of 31 years from Asian titles and 23 years since the last Gulf Cup victory. These lean years present those in charge of Saudi football with a significant challenge to restore the prestige of the national team and bring joy to the fans who are thirsting for gold.

Memories of 1994 and the challenge of the 2026 World Cup

There is no doubt that 2026 will be an exceptional and challenging year for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, as the focus will be on preparing the Saudi national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. This participation holds special significance, as it evokes the unforgettable memories of the 1994 World Cup in the USA, when the Saudi team delivered its strongest performance in history, reaching the Round of 16 as the first Arab team to achieve this feat in that era, making headlines worldwide.

Hervé Renard are under positive pressure to repeat or surpass that achievement, and avoid an early exit, in order to present an image befitting the great development that Saudi sports are witnessing.

Regional and continental commitments: Gulf Cup 27 and Asian Cup

The wheels of progress won't turn with the World Cup. Just three months after the finals, all eyes will be on Jeddah, which will host the Gulf Cup (Gulf 27) . This event represents a golden opportunity to break the drought of major tournaments and reclaim Gulf dominance. The tournament will serve as a true "dress rehearsal" and ideal preparation for the biggest and most historic event: Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in its history.

Hosting the Asian Cup is considered the real test for the players and the coaching staff, as the home ground and the fans will be contributing factors to achieving the continental dream that has been absent for decades.

Wise leadership and unlimited government support

Professor Yasser Al-Mishal has demonstrated exceptional administrative skill in handling the pressures from the sports community, prioritizing calm and methodical work over impulsive decisions. Over the past few months, the federation has developed a comprehensive plan that includes overseas training camps in America and high-quality friendly matches, with a focus on selecting players possessing the fighting spirit to represent the nation.

This ambitious project is supported by the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may God protect him – and the unlimited support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect him – for the sports sector, and football in particular. This support is evident in the project to attract international stars, which has brought about a qualitative leap in the Saudi League, positively impacting the experience of Saudi players and raising their technical level.

In conclusion, the next stage requires everyone to join forces – media, fans, and technical staff – to support the Saudi Federation and the national team, and to forget about club colors for the sake of the nation’s emblem, so that the Saudi Green returns as the master of the Asian continent and the gold podiums.

Saudi football is entering a pivotal and historic phase that demands a concerted effort from all parties. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, under the leadership of Mr. Yasser Al-Misehal, faces significant challenges that allow no room for half-measures. The time has come to reap the rewards after years of hard work and planning, striving to end a long absence from continental and regional podiums. The national team, nicknamed "Al-Akhdar" (The Green), has not won the Asian Cup since 1996 and the Gulf Cup since its last victory, placing a tremendous responsibility on officials and players to restore the prestige of Saudi football and bring joy to the fans who are eager for gold.

World Cup 2026: Reliving the memories of 1994

The year 2026 presents a unique and exceptional challenge, as all eyes turn to the United States for the World Cup. This participation carries a special nostalgia, recalling the Saudi national team's historic first appearance in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, when "The Green Falcons" captivated the world, reaching the Round of 16 as the first Gulf and Arab team to achieve this feat under the old tournament format. Today, coach Hervé Renard and the players bear a positive pressure to repeat or even surpass that achievement, and to avoid any early exit that might disappoint the Saudi sports community, whose expectations have become very high.

Home advantage and public support: Gulf Cup 27 and Asian Cup 2027

The challenges won't end with the World Cup. Just three months after the global finals, Jeddah will host the Gulf Cup (Gulf 27) in September, a perfect opportunity to break the drought of major tournaments and capitalize on home advantage. However, the most significant and historic event will be Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals for the first time. This hosting presents the Saudi Football Federation with a true test, not only organizationally but also technically, as they must keep the trophy in Riyadh.

Wise management and unlimited government support

Professor Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has demonstrated exceptional administrative skill in handling public pressure and demands, prioritizing calm and institutional work over impulsive decisions. Over the past few months, the Federation has developed a comprehensive preparation plan that includes high-quality training camps and challenging friendly matches, focusing on selecting the most prepared and determined players to represent the national team.

There is no doubt that these ambitions are based on a solid foundation of great financial and logistical support given by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz - may God protect him - and the direct attention of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - may God protect him - to the sports sector, which was manifested in the project to attract international stars and the qualitative leap witnessed by the Saudi League, which is reflected positively on the level of the local player.

In conclusion, the next stage requires a sincere stand from the media and the public behind the "Green" team, and transcending narrow club loyalties, to support the Saudi Football Federation's project, so that 2026 and beyond will be the beginning of a new era of achievements and a return to the gold podiums.

In a new sporting achievement added to the club's illustrious history, Al-Qadisiyah Handball Club of Saudi Arabia was crowned champion of the First Division League, concluding an exceptional season during which the team displayed high levels of skill, confirming its absolute right to ascend to the top tier and claim the title. This victory was not a coincidence, but rather the result of meticulous administrative and technical planning, coupled with the players' unwavering desire to restore Al-Qadisiyah handball's prestige.

With this well-deserved achievement, Al-Qadisiyah Club has become a strong candidate to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup Winners' Cup Handball Championship. This step reflects the club's growing presence on the sports scene and opens the door to a new regional challenge through which "Banu Qadis" aspire to continue the series of successes and represent Saudi football in an honorable manner befitting the great development witnessed by the sports sector in the Kingdom.

The spirit returns to the stronghold of Saudi handball

Al-Qadisiyah's return and subsequent crowning as First Division champions holds particular significance given the sporting landscape of handball in the Kingdom; the Eastern Province is the historical and primary stronghold of the sport. Al-Qadisiyah's presence as champions and strong contenders intensifies the competition in local tournaments, especially with the presence of established clubs like Al-Noor, Al-Khaleej, and Mudhar. Al-Qadisiyah's entry into the spotlight and international competitions raises the technical level of the Saudi league and benefits the national teams, which rely heavily on players from clubs in the Eastern Province.

Dimensions of the anticipated Gulf participation

Qualifying for the Gulf Cup Winners' Cup is not merely an honorary participation, but a true test of the team's technical and physical capabilities against strong Gulf handball schools, particularly the Bahraini, Qatari, and Kuwaiti clubs, which have a long history in the sport. This step aligns with the comprehensive sports development underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which aims to raise the competitiveness of Saudi clubs and enable them to win continental and regional titles.

Technical and administrative stability

This achievement reflects the stability Al-Qadsia Club has recently enjoyed, as the club's management has proven its ability to build competitive teams in various sports, not just football. This diversity of accomplishments underscores the comprehensive developmental vision of the club, promising a bright future for Al-Qadsia handball, which is now expected not only to remain among the elite but also to compete for local titles and represent the nation with distinction in Gulf and Arab competitions.