Women’s First Division League set to kick off across Saudi Arabia

The Women's First Division League will be played across five regions of Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 November 2023
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Women’s First Division League set to kick off across Saudi Arabia

  • 5 regional groups will host 26 teams in Riyadh, Jeddah, Qatif, Taif, Madinah

RIYADH: The Saudi Women’s First Division League will on Thursday kick off for its second edition in five regions of the Kingdom.

Riyadh, Jeddah, Qatif, Taif, and Madinah will act as host cities for the first round of the competition, with 26 teams taking part in the five regional groups.

Group one comprises of Al-Bairaq, Al-Himma, Golden Eagles, Al-Shoula, Al-Orouba, and Al-Watani.

Ittihad Eagles, Esperance, Ras Tanura, Al-Fateh, and Al-Nahda make up the second group, and the third grouping brings together Al-Wehda, Ohod, AlUla, Al-Taqadum, and Mine of Talent.

Al-Ain, Al-Hijaz, Phoenix, Al-Amal, and Abha are in group four, with the fifth consisting of Sahm, Falcons, Jeddah Star, Al-Nawras, and Jeddah Club.

The regional group stages will be played on a home and away basis, with 12 teams progressing to the second stage. The qualifying clubs will include the top three from the six-team group one, the top two from groups two to five, and the best third-placed team from groups two to five.

The second stage will see two groups of six teams compete, with the top two from each progressing to the semi-finals.


Green Falcons beat Bahrain to set up FIFA World Cup qualifier showdown with Australia

Updated 05 June 2025
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Green Falcons beat Bahrain to set up FIFA World Cup qualifier showdown with Australia

  • Herve Renard's men had to win to push the race for second to Tuesday

RIFFA: Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 2-0 in Riffa on Thursday to tee up a showdown with Australia for the second automatic spot in AFC FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C.

With Australia snatching a last-minute victory against already qualified Japan earlier, Herve Renard's men had to win to push the race for second to Tuesday.

The Saudis got off to the perfect start, when on 16 minutes rising star Musab Al Juwayr met captain Salem Al-Dawsari's pinpoint cross to the back post to volley home.

The visitors then survived a few nervy moments in the second half before Abdulrahman Al Obud made safe the result 12 minutes from time with a goal on the counter.

The win keeps Saudi third, three points behind Australia, although with a far inferior goal difference.

Only a huge victory for the Gulf side in Jeddah would see them leapfrog the Socceroos.


Al-Hilal sign Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as new coach

Updated 05 June 2025
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Al-Hilal sign Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as new coach

  • Inzaghi, 49, fills role of Jorge Jesus who was fired last month
  • First challenge is FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia giants Al-Hilal announced on Thursday Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach, replacing Jorge Jesus who was fired last month.

The announcement was made in a video posted on the club’s X account shortly after midnight.

“My name is Simone Inzaghi. And today begins my story with Al-Hilal,” he says at the end of the 40-second clip.

He is shown wearing his customary black suit, tying his shoes, putting on a watch and adjusting his tie.

Inzaghi’s Inter Milan suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final, prompting the Italian to step down.

He joined Inter in 2021 and won 141 of 217 games as coach. He was at Serie A rivals Lazio for five years before taking over at Inter.

Al-Hilal parted ways with Portuguese coach Jesus at the start of May, who led the Riyadh team to 83 wins in 105 games, in his second stint with the club.

Defending champions Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League, eight points behind Al-Ittihad.

Inzaghi’s first order of business will be in the US, where Al-Hilal will join the best teams in the world, including the 49-year-old’s former side Inter, in the FIFA Club World Cup which runs from June 14 to July 13.

Al-Hilal are drawn in Group H with Real Madrid, Pachuca and Salzburg.


Green Falcons finalize preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

Updated 03 June 2025
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Green Falcons finalize preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

  • The squad is scheduled to hold its final training session on Wednesday at Bahrain National Stadium

DHAHRAN: The Saudi Arabian national football team concluded a key training session on Tuesday evening as preparations intensify for their upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Bahrain.

Their crucial qualifier will kick off this Thursday as part of the ninth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the Green Falcons trained at Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the session featuring warm-ups, passing drills, tactical exercises, and a full-pitch training match between two squads.

The team left for Bahrain after the session.

On the injury front, players Muhannad Al-Saad and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti continued their respective rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff.

The squad is scheduled to hold its final training session on Wednesday at Bahrain National Stadium, with the first 15 minutes open to media coverage.


Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

Updated 01 June 2025
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Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

  • Several players were sidelined due to injuries
  • Team will hold closed training session on Monday evening

RIYADH: The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the session at Ettifaq Club Stadium featured warm-ups, possession drills, tactical exercises, and stretching routines.

Several players were sidelined due to injuries, including Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, and Jihad Zekr, who was injured during the recent King’s Cup final, as well as Muhannad Al-Saad, who was hurt in a previous friendly.

Mohamed Bakr continued his rehabilitation program, while Muteb Al-Harbi began recovery work with the medical team. Defender Abdulelah Al-Amri took part in recovery drills only.

The team will hold a closed training session on Monday evening as preparations continue.


Green Falcons hold Alkhobar training session in preparation for World Cup qualifiers

Updated 31 May 2025
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Green Falcons hold Alkhobar training session in preparation for World Cup qualifiers

  • French coach Herve Renard supervised the team as they held a light recovery session
  • Team preparations resume tomorrow night with full training session

KHOBAR: The Saudi national football team held a training session on Saturday in Alkhobar, as they continue preparing for the decisive ninth and 10th rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

French coach Herve Renard supervised the team as they held a light recovery session at the health facilities of the Green Falcons’ base camp, a media statement said.

Injured left back Muteb Al-Harbi continued his rehabilitation program under the medical staff’s supervision, while teammate Mohammed Bakr resumed physical training with the team’s fitness coach.

After the recovery session ended, Renard gave the players some free time, with the squad scheduled to return later this evening at their base.

The Green Falcons’ preparations resume tomorrow night with a full training session at 7 p.m. in Ettifaq Club Stadium.

The first 15 minutes of the session will be open to the media to offer a glimpse into the team’s readiness as the qualifiers draw near.

Saudi Arabia stands at third place in Group C with 10 points from eight matches. Japan tops the group on 20 points, while second-place Australia has 13 points.

The Green Falcons play against Bahrain on June 5 and Australia on June 10.