Arab world revels in Saudi win over Argentina at World Cup

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Saudi football fans wave their country's flags from vehicles as they celebrate their win over Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Tuesday. (AFP)
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Updated 23 November 2022
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Arab world revels in Saudi win over Argentina at World Cup

  • Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended the match, and at one point wrapped a Saudi flag over his shoulders
  • In northwestern Syria, the war-torn country’s rebel stronghold, residents gathered at cafes cheered and celebrated after the final whistle

LUSAIL, Qatar: Overjoyed fans erupted in celebration around the Arab world Tuesday after Saudi Arabia’s shocking World Cup win over Argentina.

From Syria and Jordan to Gaza and Qatar — host of this year’s World Cup — fans basked in Saudi Arabia’s achievement, one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.

Immediately after their team’s 2-1 come-from-behind victory, Saudi fans who witnessed the match in person flooded the streets outside Lusail Stadium waving their country’s green and white flags while chanting and singing — and even hugging distraught Argentina fans.

“I’m speechless,” Saudi Arabia fan Sultan Alharthi said. “I can’t even explain how much happy I am, because I didn’t expect we will win.

Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended the match, and at one point wrapped a Saudi flag over his shoulders. The moment, captured in online video and widely shared, would have been unthinkable nearly two years ago when Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations boycotted Qatar over a political dispute.

In northwestern Syria, the war-torn country’s rebel stronghold, residents gathered at cafes cheered and celebrated after the final whistle. It was a pleasant change for the enclave, where millions suffer from frequent airstrikes and poverty.

In the city of Idlib, Ahmad Al-Absi said Saudi Arabia’s victory was a much needed morale boost for Syrians and Arabs across the Middle East, even if it meant seeing his favorite soccer team lose.

“It shows that we have talented people who can achieve things on a global stage,” Al-Absi, an Argentina fan, told The Associated Press. “We’re dreaming of better futures as Arabs, and this morale boosts reminds us that nothing is impossible.”

In the streets of Amman, Jordan, dozens of Saudi nationals and Jordanians celebrated in the streets, carrying Saudi flags or placing them on their cars and blaring their horns.

And in Gaza, Palestinian residents rejoiced, saying they stood with Saudi Arabia in its moment of soccer glory. “They stand with us politically and socially, so these celebrations are sort of reciprocation,” said Gaza resident Abu Khalil.

In Saudi Arabia, King Salman announced a snap public holiday for all workers and students in the kingdom in celebration of the win.

People watching the match at a fan zone in the capital, Riyadh, jumped with joy and cheered as the game ended. Drivers honked their horns in celebration. Saudi authorities also allowed free entry to a state-sponsored sports and entertainment festival.

The gravity of the victory will eventually sink in. Saudi Arabia is a team that had only ever won three World Cup matches in its history prior to Tuesday’s game. Argentina, which won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, is — or was — one of the favorites this year.

“One for the books,” Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard said. “Sometimes things are completely crazy.”

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, who made two key saves late in the game, was almost subdued at the end, perhaps not grasping the magnitude of the upset.

“I am very happy about this result that we have been able to obtain against this very storied team,” Alowais said solemnly. “We have prepared ourselves. We were 100 percent ready and hopefully we will have better results in the future.”

Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime after a 10th-minute goal from Lionel Messi, perhaps the greatest soccer player of all time, Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari managed to score a goal each early in the second half.

Then came more than 50 minutes, including added time at the end of the match at the referee’s discretion, of holding one of the tournament favorites at bay.

“All the stars aligned for us,” said Renard, who won the African Cup of Nations as coach of Zambia in 2012 and then again with Ivory Coast in 2015.

Renard has has also coached Angola and Morocco, which he guided to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He took over Saudi Arabia in 2019.

“We made history for Saudi football,” Renard said. “It will stay forever. This is the most important. But we also need to think about looking forward because we still have two games that are very very difficult for us.”

Renard said he asked his players to limit the celebration after the game to 20 minutes.

“That’s all,” he said. “But there are still two games — or more.”

They still must face Poland on Saturday and then take on Mexico next Tuesday in Group C. Both are probably still favorites against Saudi Arabia — despite the upset.

He also suggested another possible truth: Messi and Argentina probably underestimated Saudi Arabia, which is only No. 51 in the FIFA ranking. Argentina is No. 3.

“But you know the motivation is not like you are playing Brazil,” he added.


Al-Nassr lead the way as Saudi teams score big in global football social media rankings

Updated 12 June 2025
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Al-Nassr lead the way as Saudi teams score big in global football social media rankings

  • Riyadh side ranks 16th globally in terms of followers, with more than 62m across platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube
  • Other Saudi clubs in top 100 include Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli; teams from other Arab nations include Al-Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt, and Moroccan side Raja Casablanca

RIYADH: Saudi clubs made a strong impression in the latest global social media rankings for football teams, with Al-Nassr confirmed as the most-followed Arab club worldwide.

In a report published on Wednesday by the Football Observatory, a research group within the International Centre for Sports Studies, Al-Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League this season, ranked 16th globally in terms of followers, having amassed more than 62 million across platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

The club’s regional online dominance was widely attributed to the global appeal of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for the team in December 2022, and its rapidly growing fanbase.

Al-Hilal, this season’s runners-up in the league, ranked 24th, with 37.7 million followers, driven by strong social media engagement linked to success in continental competitions and a squad featuring a number of international stars.

Pro League champions Al-Ittihad took 49th spot in the rankings with 15.5 million followers, ahead of many European and American clubs, thanks to recent high-profile signings and domestic success. Al-Ahli ranked 66th with 10.7 million followers, their digital success bolstered by a recent return to the Saudi Pro League and a vibrant presence on TikTok and Instagram.

Several clubs in other Arab countries also appeared in the top 100, including Egyptian side Al-Ahly, who with 57.7 million followers ranked 18th globally and were the top African side, fellow Egyptian club Zamalek (45th, 17.2 million followers) and Moroccan team Raja Casablanca (59th, 12.3 million).

The researchers said the rankings reflected the growing global reach and digital influence of Arab football, with Saudi clubs in particular gaining ground on traditional powerhouses in Europe and the Americas such as Real Madrid, who topped the rankings with 473.7 million followers, Barcelona (2nd, 427.4 million), Manchester United (3rd, 233.6 million) and Flamengo of Brazil, the highest-placed South American team, who ranked 15th with 66.4 million followers.


Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

Updated 11 June 2025
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Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

  • Saudi amateur will face three-time Lebanese MMA champion Nour Al-Fliti
  • Welterweight champion Omar El-Dafrawy to face Daniele Miceli in main event

RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League on Wednesday announced the full card for PFL MENA 2, to be held at Riyadh’s Green Halls arena on Friday, July 4.

In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omar “God First” El-Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to the city of his title win to face 2024 PFL Europe welterweight finalist Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (13-6-0) in the SmartCage.

The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Kuwaiti Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestinian Omar “187” Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year’s finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene.

In a highly anticipated bantamweight quarterfinal bout, Algeria’s Mokthar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon’s Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night.

Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is likely to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al-Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist.

Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will represent the Kingdom in a catchweight 160 pound showcase amateur bout against Egypt’s Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).


Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

  • Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium

LOS ANGELES: The Saudi national football team touched down in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning ahead of their participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14 across the US.

The Green Falcons arrived at LAX International Airport from Jeddah and will hold their pre-tournament training camp in San Diego.

Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium.

The team was received at LAX by the Kingdom’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Bandar Al-Zaid.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal expressed appreciation to the consulate for its warm welcome and logistical support.

The squad will begin their preparations with a closed training session on Wednesday evening at the San Diego Performance Center.


Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

Updated 11 June 2025
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Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

  • Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50

GRONINGEN: Memphis Depay was denied the chance to complete a hat-trick on Tuesday, and take sole possession of the Dutch national team’s all-time scoring record in the process, as coach Ronald Koeman said he wanted to keep him hungry for goals.
Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50.
Both players have 50 goals in 102 international appearances.
“I equalled Van Persie, I am happy with that,” said Depay, who was taken off in the 72nd minute with the Dutch 4-0 up.
“But this is just an interim total. Of course I am also going for 51, 52 and also 53. If I had played longer, I might have scored one more tonight,” he told reporters.
“I didn’t say anything about the fact that the coach took me off early. I was already happy that I could do what I’ve been doing for years ... scoring.”
Depay scored his first international goal against Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but it has not always been smooth sailing over the years with the national team.
“We have had some turbulence over the years,” he said.
“There have been many coaches and many players have come and gone. The times have shaped me and made me realize what I want.
“Ultimately, it’s important that we’re at the World Cup and that we go far.”
Koeman has consistently backed Depay over his two spells in charge of the Dutch, even when he struggled with his club form.
“I’ve always thought Memphis is a great player. I think he deserves a great compliment. He’s had a year full of injuries, but he’s fit and hungry now,” said Koeman.
“It’s great that he didn’t score the third, because then he stays hungry,” he quipped on Dutch television.


Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

  • FIA president highlights technological milestones, new talent emerging on global stage

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will again host several major world motorsport championships it has been confirmed, with 2026 dates announced by international governing body, the FIA.

The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend will take place on Jeddah’s street circuit from April 17-19, with the 24 cars running on 100 percent sustainable fuel.

The news was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, chaired by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Three other F1 world championship rounds will also be held in the Middle East — in Bahrain from April 10-12, Qatar from Nov. 27-29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 4-6.

The Kingdom will also once more stage back-to-back races in Jeddah as part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, from Feb. 13-14, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will be held in the Middle East to coincide with the F1 races on 13-14 February, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will form part of the F1 weekends in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The Dakar Rally again kicks off the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, from Jan. 3-17, while the Rally du Maroc takes place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from Nov. 22-27. Bahrain will represent the Middle East as part of the 10-round F3 calendar.

Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: “2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.

“This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race shows the passion and dedication of our community.”

The World Council also approved one of the final pieces of a compelling puzzle that will mark the start of a new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.

The rules have been undergoing final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of the regulations.

To this end, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but manufacturers and constructors have freedom within it to scale and integrate wide-ranging designs. 

This means cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, crossovers and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the 10-year regulation cycle through to 2037.