Saudi football fans are brimming with excitement as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on Thursday. The Saudi national team will begin their campaign against Uruguay on June 15, and supporters across the Kingdom are making plans for the 39-day tournament.
Excitement at Fever Pitch
Sports journalist Mohammed Hussein Al-Hamed described the anticipation as reaching 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 plans to watch as many games as possible, 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 will watch most matches at home but also meet up with friends. "The atmosphere becomes even more exciting when watching the biggest matches together," he added. Despite his admiration for Portugal and Ronaldo, his heart remains 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. We stand behind them, confident in their ability to deliver performances worthy of the Kingdom and continue creating memorable moments and surprises."
Fans Share Their Plans
Another Portugal fan, Mishal Al-Anazi, said his plan is simple: "I'll be cheering and praying for my favorite team throughout the tournament." Riyadh Al-Shahri expressed delight that the tournament has 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."
Abdulaziz Al-Harbi voiced confidence in the Green Falcons. "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 will cheer for Saudi Arabia despite being far 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. Even being thousands of miles away from our national team, you can just feel how society here embraces the World Cup."
Growing Excitement
Mohammed A. Kamel noted that the excitement among Saudi soccer fans is 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."
