The technical staff of the Saudi national team, led by coach Georgios Donis, breathed a sigh of relief after resolving the crisis that had put right-back Saud Abdul Hamid, star of French club Lens, in a state of uncertainty. The issue has been resolved, and he is confirmed ready to join the Green Falcons’ delegation in the United States in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Arrival in New York and joining training
Saud Abdul Hamid will head to New York City at 10 PM tonight, Thursday, to immediately join the main training camp of the national team. This aims to prepare him physically and technically for the upcoming friendly match against Ecuador.
Details of the crisis and resolution
The player was involved in a theft incident in the Dutch capital Amsterdam while he was with his family to finalize his marriage contract, leading to the loss of personal belongings and his passport, which prevented him from traveling with the delegation from Riyadh. The national team management, in coordination with the relevant authorities, succeeded in completing the official procedures to obtain the necessary documents in the last few hours. The player arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday evening to reassure his family before embarking on his long journey to the United States.
Green Falcons continue preparations in New York
The Saudi national team continues its training on Wednesday evening as part of its preparatory camp held at the training facilities of New York City FC. This comes as part of the fourth and final phase of the Green Falcons’ preparation program for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The delegation arrived in New York the day before yesterday to begin the first stage of the camp, which continues until the 31st of this month, concluding with a friendly match against Ecuador on Saturday at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Daily training schedule
The national team players conducted their training session at the New York City FC training center under the supervision of coach Georgios Donis and the assistant technical staff. The program included warm-up exercises, followed by passing drills, then small-sided games, and finally tactical exercises. Training will continue on Thursday evening with an additional session at the same stadium, and media will have the opportunity to observe during the first fifteen minutes.
New York City
New York City, originally settled by the Dutch as New Amsterdam in 1624, became a major hub of immigration and commerce after the British took control in 1664. As the largest city in the United States, it grew into a global center for finance, culture, and innovation, home to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. Today, it remains a diverse, vibrant metropolis shaped by centuries of history and waves of immigrants.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, known for its extensive canal system, narrow houses, and vibrant cultural scene. Its history dates back to the 12th century as a small fishing village, later becoming a major global trading hub during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for its museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, as well as its progressive social policies.
Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, began as a small walled settlement in the 18th century and grew into a major political and economic hub after the unification of the kingdom in 1932. Today, it is a modern metropolis that blends its historic roots, seen in sites like the Masmak Fortress and Diriyah, with futuristic architecture and rapid urban development. The city serves as the country’s political and administrative center, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s transformation and cultural heritage.
New York City
New York City, founded as a Dutch trading post called New Amsterdam in 1624, became a major hub for immigration and commerce after being taken over by the English in 1664. It served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution and has since grown into a global center for finance, culture, and the arts. Today, it is known for iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, reflecting its rich and diverse history.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a rich history dating back to its founding as a small fishing village in the late 12th century. It grew into a major global hub during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, known for its extensive canal system, trade, and cultural achievements. Today, it is famous for its historic architecture, world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, and vibrant, liberal atmosphere.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Originally a small, walled oasis town, it grew in prominence after the Al Saud family captured it in the early 20th century, leading to the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Today, Riyadh is a modern global metropolis that blends its traditional Bedouin and Islamic heritage with rapid economic development, serving as the country’s political, financial, and administrative center.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was a gift from France to the United States, dedicated in 1886 to celebrate the centennial of American independence. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, it symbolizes freedom and democracy, with its torch representing enlightenment. Over time, it has become an iconic welcoming symbol for immigrants arriving by sea.
Times Square
Times Square, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, is a major commercial and entertainment hub known for its iconic billboards and bustling atmosphere. Originally named Longacre Square, it was renamed in 1904 after the New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly built Times Building. Over the decades, it evolved from a center of theater and nightlife into a global symbol of urban energy, famously hosting the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop since 1907.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, located in Amsterdam, and is renowned for its vast collection of Dutch Golden Age art. Founded in 1800 in The Hague, it moved to its current, iconic building—designed by Pierre Cuypers—in 1885 after a lengthy construction process. The museum’s masterpieces include Rembrandt’s *The Night Watch* and works by Vermeer, and it underwent a major decade-long renovation that was completed in 2013.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is the former hiding place where Jewish teenager Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Located at Prinsengracht 263, the building was her family’s secret annex from 1942 until they were discovered and arrested in 1944. Today, it serves as a museum and memorial, preserving the story of Anne’s life and the horrors of the Holocaust.
Masmak Fortress
Masmak Fortress is a historic clay and mudbrick fort located in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, built around 1895. It is famously known for its role in the unification of the Kingdom, as it was recaptured by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1902, marking the beginning of the modern Saudi state. Today, the fortress has been converted into a museum showcasing Saudi heritage and the nation’s founding history.
