Jeddah – The Saudi national team secured a convincing victory over its counterpart Puerto Rico with a clean three goals, in a match held yesterday morning, Saturday, at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, as part of the second round of the preparation camp for the 2026 World Cup.

Outstanding performance in the second test of the camp

Despite the match’s fluctuations, the Saudi national team displayed a polished performance that enabled Greek coach Georgios Donis to achieve a third win in his series of tests within the United States. Sultan Mandash crowned the first half by scoring a goal in the 45+1 minute, then Abdullah Al-Hamdan added to the scoring in the 51st minute, and Salem Al-Dawsari concluded the match with a goal in the 88th minute, securing the 3-0 result.

Temporary halt due to weather conditions

The match witnessed a stoppage lasting about two hours due to unfavorable weather conditions, according to the American protocol that mandates stopping play when storms or lightning occur within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. The referee was forced to direct the players to the dressing rooms at the 21st minute before resuming the match.

American camp includes strong encounters

The Saudi team began its American tour with a loss to Ecuador, then moved to Austin to secure a morale-boosting victory over Puerto Rico, and is now heading to a decisive match against the Senegal national team scheduled for next Tuesday at the San Antonio FC stadium. Final preparation for the World Cup is set to begin on June 10, where the team will settle in Austin to intensify physical, technical, and mental training before heading to the tournament.

Players’ views on the experience and readiness

Al-Nassr club’s forward expressed his belief in the importance of mental and physical readiness amid fluctuating climate conditions, noting that unexpected events put players to a real test. He added that the team returned stronger and more focused, emphasizing the high discipline within the national team.

For his part, Abdullah Al-Hamdan expressed his optimism about the rising level of the national team, affirming that hard work under the leadership of coach Georgios Donis translates into tangible results on the field. He praised his teammates’ technical abilities, highlighting the diversity of attacks and the multitude of tactical options, considering scoring goals as a blessing from God.

Q2 Stadium

Q2 Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium located in Austin, Texas, that opened in June 2021 as the home of Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The stadium was built on the site of a former municipal airport and represents a major milestone in Austin’s sports history, marking the arrival of a top-tier professional soccer franchise. With a capacity of over 20,000, it has quickly become a cultural hub for local sports and entertainment events.

Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas, known for its vibrant live music scene and cultural diversity. Originally settled by Native Americans and later founded as the Republic of Texas’s capital in 1839, the city grew around the Colorado River. Today, it blends historic landmarks like the Texas State Capitol with a modern tech and arts hub.

San Antonio FC stadium

San Antonio FC stadium, officially known as Toyota Field, is a soccer-specific venue located in San Antonio, Texas. Opened in 2013, it serves as the home stadium for San Antonio FC, a professional soccer team in the USL Championship, and was built to support the growing soccer culture in the city. The stadium has a capacity of around 8,000 seats and has hosted various community events and matches since its inception.