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

New York City, originally settled by the Dutch as New Amsterdam in 1624, has grown into one of the world’s most influential cultural and financial hubs. It served as the first capital of the United States and has been a gateway for millions of immigrants, shaping its iconic diversity. Today, landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park reflect its rich history and vibrant global significance.

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

Harrison, New Jersey, is a small town located in Hudson County with a rich industrial history, once home to major manufacturing plants like the Otis Elevator Company. Incorporated in 1840, it transformed from a rural farming community into a bustling industrial hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Harrison is known for its diverse population and the Red Bull Arena, a major soccer stadium that opened in 2010.

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

The Statue of Liberty, a colossal neoclassical sculpture 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 and built by Gustave Eiffel, it symbolizes freedom and democracy, welcoming millions of immigrants arriving by sea. The statue has become an iconic American landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Times Square

Times Square is a major commercial and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for its iconic billboards and bustling atmosphere. Originally called Longacre Square, it was renamed in 1904 after the New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly built Times Building. Today, it is famous for its annual New Year’s Eve ball drop and serves as a global symbol of urban culture and tourism.

Central Park

Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and opened in 1858 as the first landscaped public park in the United States. It was created to provide a natural retreat for city dwellers, transforming a rocky, swampy area into a sprawling 843-acre green space. Today, it remains a iconic cultural landmark, hosting concerts, films, and recreational activities while preserving its historic landscapes and structures.

Red Bull Arena

Red Bull Arena is a major soccer stadium located in Harrison, New Jersey, serving as the home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. Opened in 2010, it was built to replace Giants Stadium and was originally known as Red Bull Park, named after the team’s energy drink sponsor. The venue has hosted international matches and major events, becoming a key part of the region’s sports landscape.

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

Harrison, New Jersey, is a small town in Hudson County with a rich industrial history, originally settled by Dutch and German immigrants in the 17th century. It became a key manufacturing hub in the 19th and 20th centuries, home to companies like Otis Elevator and Worthington Pump. Today, Harrison is known for its redevelopment, including the Red Bull Arena soccer stadium, and its diverse community.

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

The City Football Academy is the state-of-the-art training and youth development complex owned by Manchester City FC in east Manchester. Opened in 2014, it replaced the club’s former training ground at Carrington and symbolizes the club’s significant investment following its 2008 takeover, housing both the first team and the academy on one campus. The facility is also part of the broader regeneration of the Etihad Campus, reinforcing the club’s commitment to nurturing future talent and community development.

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

Preparations at New York City Center

Medical follow-up for player Nawaf Al-Aqidi

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

Upcoming friendly match

New York City

Sports Illustrated stadium

Harrison, New Jersey

New York City FC training center

Statue of Liberty

Times Square

Central Park

Red Bull Arena

Sports Illustrated stadium

Harrison, New Jersey

New York City FC training center

City Football Academy

Related news

King Fahd Bridge and Al-Haditha crossing used to smuggle 300,000 Captagon pills.

Dammam reaches 46°C: Statement on maximum temperatures in some Saudi cities

Islamic Affairs organizes the Quran competition in Kosovo.

“Al-Manshiyah Carnival” in Al-Ula: A distinctive entertainment experience on weekends.

Chemical industry exports reached 4.56 billion riyals, accounting for 20% of total non-oil exports.