Saudi Arabia shifts focus to Spain after Uruguay draw
AUSTIN, Texas — Saudi Arabia wasted little time turning its attention to Spain after opening its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
The Green Falcons resumed training on Tuesday at Q2 Stadium in Austin as preparations began for Sunday’s crucial Group H showdown against Spain.
Coach Georgios Donis divided the squad into two groups following the Uruguay match. Players who started the opening fixture underwent recovery and regeneration exercises both on the field and in the gym, while the remaining members of the squad completed a full training session focused on fitness, possession drills and a small-sided practice match.
The session allowed the coaching staff to assess the readiness of players who did not feature prominently against Uruguay.
In a major boost for Saudi Arabia, the team reported a clean bill of health, with no injuries or fitness concerns among the squad ahead of the meeting with the European champions.
Donis has also adjusted the team’s training schedule in preparation for the midday kickoff against Spain. Beginning Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s sessions will be held at noon rather than the usual evening slot, allowing players to adapt to the conditions they will face on match day.
The Greek coach is expected to begin detailed tactical preparations on Wednesday, including video analysis sessions reviewing the performance against Uruguay and studying Spain’s strengths and weaknesses.
Saudi Arabia earned a valuable point in its opener thanks to Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half goal and a standout display from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, who made a tournament-high nine saves before Uruguay equalized late in the second half.
The Green Falcons enter the Spain match with confidence after their disciplined performance against the South Americans, but face another major test against a Spanish side that was surprisingly held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutant Cape Verde in its opening match.
Media representatives will be permitted to observe the opening 15 minutes of Wednesday’s training session before preparations continue behind closed doors.
