Saudi national team ramps up preparations in New York with addition of Al-Ahli's goalkeeper.

The training intensity for the Saudi national team increased Thursday evening in New York City, as part of its preparatory camp for the fourth and final phase of the readiness program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This comes in preparation for the upcoming friendly match against the Ecuador national team, which will take place Saturday at the “Sports Illustrated” stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

Preparations at New York City Center

The players underwent a training session at the New York City FC training center facilities, under the supervision of head coach Georgios Donis. Player Saud Abdulhamid, who arrived at the mission headquarters on Thursday morning, participated in the session. The session included warm-up exercises, followed by ball possession drills, and then the team moved on to tactical training.

Medical follow-up for player Nawaf Al-Aqidi

Meanwhile, player Nawaf Al-Aqidi continues a special rehabilitation program under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff, as he continues to monitor his health condition according to approved medical plans.

Call-up of Al-Ahli goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi

Head coach Georgios Donis decided to call up Al-Ahli goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi to join the Green camp in New York. This decision comes in light of Nawaf Al-Aqidi undergoing the medical rehabilitation program, which strengthens the goalkeeping options available to the national team.

Upcoming friendly match

The two teams will face each other in a friendly match at the “Sports Illustrated” stadium in Harrison, as part of the Green’s preparation for the planned World Cup participation. This match is an opportunity to evaluate what has been worked on during training and to determine the final squad for the tournament.

New York City

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Sports Illustrated stadium

The Sports Illustrated Stadium, originally known as the Red Bull Arena, is a soccer-specific stadium located in Harrison, New Jersey, that opened in 2010. It serves as the home venue for the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and has hosted major international matches, including the 2016 Copa América Centenario. The stadium’s naming rights were acquired by Sports Illustrated in 2024, marking a new chapter for the venue’s identity.

Harrison, New Jersey

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New York City FC training center

The New York City FC training center, known as the City Football Academy, is located in Orangeburg, New York. Opened in 2023, it serves as the state-of-the

Statue of Liberty

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Red Bull Arena

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Sports Illustrated stadium

The Sports Illustrated Stadium, located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was a multi-purpose venue that opened in 1976. Originally known as Giants Stadium, it served as the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, as well as hosting major concerts and soccer events. The stadium was demolished in 2010 to make way for MetLife Stadium, though its name briefly honored the iconic sports magazine during the 2008-2009 season.

Harrison, New Jersey

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New York City FC training center

The New York City FC training center, known as the City Football Academy – New York, is a state-of-the-art facility located in Orangeburg, New York. Opened in 2021, it serves as the permanent training base for the Major League Soccer club, featuring multiple pitches, a performance center, and recovery areas. The facility was developed as part of the club’s long-term growth strategy since its founding in 2013, providing a dedicated space to develop players and foster a cohesive team culture.

City Football Academy

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