MIAMI — Saudi Arabia is finalizing preparations for one of its toughest World Cup openers in recent memory as the Green Falcons get set to face Uruguay on Monday in their first match of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The clash in Miami marks the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s seventh World Cup appearance and offers new head coach Georges Donis an immediate test against a Uruguay side rebuilt under the guidance of renowned Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Saudi Arabia arrives in the United States hoping to recreate the spirit of its memorable 2022 campaign, when it stunned eventual champion Argentina in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Uruguay, however, presents a different challenge. Since taking charge in 2023, Bielsa has overseen a generational transition, moving beyond veterans such as Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani and building around a younger core led by Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo.
Bielsa’s trademark high-pressing, aggressive style has already delivered victories over Brazil and Argentina in South American qualifying and helped Uruguay reach the Copa América semifinals. Yet the same approach can leave spaces behind the first line of pressure, an area Saudi Arabia will seek to exploit.
The Green Falcons will look to captain Salem Al-Dawsari for inspiration, with the veteran winger remaining one of the team’s biggest attacking threats after his iconic goal against Argentina four years ago.
Donis, who took charge in April following the departure of Hervé Renard, has focused on improving the team’s organization and tactical discipline while relying on his extensive knowledge of Saudi football gained during his years in the Saudi Pro League.
Midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari said the Greek coach’s familiarity with Saudi players helped accelerate the transition.
“Donis knows the Saudi player and understands the role of every player on the team,” Al-Khaibari said, adding that the squad is fully prepared for the tournament opener.
Left-back Moteb Al-Harbi also expressed confidence following the team’s recent friendly matches, including a valuable test against Senegal.
“Uruguay is one of the best teams in South America, but we are focused on ourselves and on carrying out the instructions of the coaching staff,” Al-Harbi said.
Saudi Arabia has also embraced modern technology during its preparations. Goalkeepers were recently seen using specialized visual training glasses designed to improve concentration, reaction speed and decision-making, while the coaching staff has devoted significant time to tactical drills, possession exercises and set-piece routines.
The team has also received strong support from Saudi fans in Miami, with supporters beginning to gather and organize activities ahead of the match. Several players, including Saleh Al-Shehri and Ali Lajami, have thanked fans for their backing and described them as a key source of motivation.
FIFA has appointed Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to officiate the match.
While Uruguay enters the contest as the favorite, Saudi Arabia will draw confidence from its history of producing memorable World Cup opening performances. With Bielsa seeking another statement victory and Donis preparing for his first competitive match in charge, Monday’s showdown offers the Green Falcons another opportunity to challenge one of football’s traditional powers on the world’s biggest stage.
Source: Saudi Gazette