DALIAN: The Saudi national team arrived in the Chinese city of Dalian on Friday ahead of their World Cup qualifier there next week.
The Green Falcons will face China on Tuesday night at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, in the second game of the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Saudi squad wasted no time as they immediately began their preparations on Friday evening with a training session overseen by head coach Roberto Mancini. The players who participated in Thursday’s match against Indonesia took part in recovery training, while the rest engaged in general training exercises.
The previous day in Jeddah, Indonesia held the Saudis to a surprise 1-1 draw in the opening game of the third round of qualifiers. It was a case of two points dropped to the lowest-ranked team in Group C, not least because Salem Al-Dawsari had a penalty attempt saved with 11 minutes remaining.
Indonesia might be Asia’s most improved team of late, bolstered by the naturalization of several Europe-based players, but were nonetheless ranked 133 in the world, 77 places below their hosts.
The Saudi squad was greeted on arrival at the airport in Dalian by Jaber Rashid, a representative of the Kingdom’s embassy. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation president, Yasser Al-Misehal, thanked the embassy for the warm welcome and assistance it has provided to the team.
Saudi players arrive in China ahead of World Cup qualifier
https://arab.news/5qu64
Saudi players arrive in China ahead of World Cup qualifier
- The Green Falcons face China on Tuesday in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament, following a disappointing draw against Indonesia
She Runs 2025 sets world record at Expo City Dubai
- Guinness World Records recognizes 12th edition as one with ‘most participants in a female run event’
DUBAI: History was made at Expo City Dubai as She Runs 2025 earned official recognition from Guinness World Records for the “most participants in a female run event” on Sunday as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30.
The 12th edition of the run, supported by the Dubai Sports Council, in association with Dubai Fitness Challenge, and organized by Plan B Group, once again transformed Al-Forsan Park into a platform for female empowerment.
Dr. Harmeek Singh, founder of Plan B and race chairman of She Runs, said: “This is not just a record, it’s a revolution. Thousands of women from every walk of life came together to prove that movement can move the world. We run for our daughters, for our mothers, for every woman who dares to dream and act. When women run together, barriers fall, hope rises and the city itself finds a new heartbeat.”
Women and girls of all ages and abilities joined in the race categories of 1 km, 3 km, 5 km and 10 km.
The record-breaking event drew leaders, partners and community champions, including Saeed Hareb, secretary general, Dubai Sports Council; Sheikha Saeed Al-Mansouri, acting director general, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children; and Amna Abulhoul, creative executive director, Expo City Dubai.
Also in attendance were UAE Transplant Athletes Husena Beguwala, Fatima Rashid, Hind Juma and Katie Larkins, each sharing their inspiring stories of courage and recovery.
Six Community Champions — Sanjana Karia, Dr. Shefali Verma, Lisa Campbell, Ava Hall, Laila Labib and Atiqa Asif Mir — were honored for inspiring new generations through their leadership across Dubai Active Industry Talks, Youth Programs and Studio Sessions.
