JEDDAH/ALKHOBAR: Football fans across Saudi Arabia are gearing up for the start of the World Cup which kicks off on Thursday.
With the Saudi side set to get their campaign underway against Uruguay on June 15, fans of the beautiful game spoke to Arab News about their plans for the 39-day sporting extravaganza.
Sports journalist Mohammed Hussein Al-Hamed said he felt the excitement was nearing fever pitch.
“We are not talking about just another football tournament,” he said. “This is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event awaited by the entire planet.”
With the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa just a day away, Al-Hamed said he planned to watch as many games as possible and especially those featuring his favorite player.
“My compass points toward Portugal for one simple reason: Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.
“Following a legendary player like Ronaldo on the world’s biggest stage gives the tournament a very special flavor, especially as this is expected to be the last World Cup of his playing career.”
Al-Hamed said he planned to watch most matches at home but would also meet up with friends.
“The atmosphere becomes even more exciting when watching the biggest matches together,” he said.
Despite his admiration of Portugal and Ronaldo, Al-Hamed said his heart was with Saudi Arabia.
“The Green Falcons are not just participants, they are ambassadors of Arab and Asian football. Their presence at the World Cup is a source of pride for all Saudis,” he said.
“We stand behind them, confident in their ability to deliver performances worthy of the Kingdom and continue creating memorable moments and surprises.”
Another Portugal fan is Mishal Al-Anazi.
“My plan is simple,” he said. “I’ll be cheering and praying for my favorite team throughout the tournament.”
Riyadh Al-Shahri said he was delighted that the tournament had finally arrived.
“We have been waiting for this tournament for four years. The World Cup has its own unique atmosphere. The performances of national teams and players are always different on this stage,” he said.
“Brazil are always entertaining to watch. Their style of play and performances make them one of the most exciting teams in the tournament.”
Looking closer to home, Abdulaziz Al-Harbi said he was confident the Green Falcons would do the nation proud.
“I am very excited to watch the matches. It will be a special World Cup. I have full confidence in the Saudi national team.
“I will enjoy the matches alongside my co-workers and I wish our national team every success.”
Mohammed Al-Madani said he would be cheering on Saudi Arabia despite being so far away from the action in Mexico, Canada and the US.
“For 40 days Saudi is going to come alive at unorthodox times and it’ll be an experience like no other,” he said.
“Even being thousands of miles away from our national team, you can just feel how society here embraces the World Cup.”
Mohammed A Kamel said the excitement among Saudi soccer fans was growing with each World Cup.
“Football has always been popular here but recently it feels different. There’s a lot more attention on the sport and a lot more excitement around where it’s heading.
“With Saudi preparing to host the World Cup (in 2034), people are paying closer attention than ever.”
