Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard has called up goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais from Al-Ula Club to join the Green Camp in Jeddah, prior to their departure to the Republic of Serbia. This move is part of the third phase of the preparation program for the 2026 World Cup, which continues until March 31 of this month.
Al-Owais has participated in 25 matches out of 26 in the Saudi First Division League with his team Al-Ula, reflecting his readiness to participate with the national team. Renard has also called up several players from the national reserve camp, including Nawaf Bushal, Khalifa Al-Dosari, Mohammed Mahzari, Mohammed Al-Majhad, and Abdulaziz Al-Aliwah, while players Murat Al-Hawsawi and Turki Al-Amar have been transferred to the reserve team camp.
Event Details
Player Muteb Al-Harbi has also been excluded from the Green delegation heading to Serbia based on a medical report submitted by the medical staff of the national team, which indicated his unfitness after undergoing necessary tests. In a related context, Renard decided to exclude players Ali Al-Lajami and Hassan Kadash from the Green list for technical reasons.
The Saudi national team delegation will depart this evening (Saturday) to the Serbian capital Belgrade, where the Green will play a friendly match against the Serbian national team next Tuesday. The Green squad includes 27 players, among them Nawaf Al-Aqeedi, Mohammed Al-Yami, Ahmed Al-Kassar, Mohammed Al-Owais, and a selection of other players.
Background & Context
These call-ups and exclusions come as part of the intensive preparations for the Saudi national team, which aims to achieve positive results in the 2026 World Cup. The current camp is an opportunity for coach Renard to test his optimal formation before the official competitions. The Saudi team has shown significant improvement in performance over the past few years, increasing fans' hopes for new achievements.
Historically, the Saudi national team has witnessed several changes in its lineup, as the coaching staff always seeks to select the best elements capable of representing the nation on international platforms. These changes come at a sensitive time before the tournament begins, reflecting the importance of every decision made by the coach.
Impact & Consequences
Excluding players for technical or medical reasons may affect the team's balance; however, it may also open the door for other players to prove their worth. This opportunity could be crucial for some players aiming to perform well with the national team.
Intensive training and preparatory camps are essential parts of the Saudi national team's strategy, as the coaching staff seeks to build a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest levels. Additionally, friendly matches provide an opportunity to improve both collective and individual performance.
Regional Significance
Football enjoys immense popularity in the Arab world, and the success of the Saudi national team on international platforms reflects the development of the sport in the region. The team's participation in the 2026 World Cup will be an opportunity to enhance sportsmanship among Arab countries and present a positive image of sports in the region.
Moreover, the success of the Saudi national team may encourage other Arab countries to invest in sports and develop their talents, contributing to raising the level of football in the region as a whole.
In conclusion, hopes remain high for the Saudi national team to achieve positive results in the World Cup, reflecting the aspirations of fans and enhancing the status of football in the Arab world.