RIYADH — Saud Abdulhamid will join Saudi Arabia national football team’s World Cup preparation camp later than scheduled after being involved in a robbery incident in Amsterdam, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced.
In an official statement on Monday, the federation said the defender was unable to travel to Riyadh as planned after his private vehicle was stolen while he was spending a holiday with his family in the Dutch capital.
The incident reportedly resulted in the loss of several personal belongings, including Abdulhamid’s passport.
The Saudi federation said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Sport, relevant authorities and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Embassy in the Netherlands to issue the necessary documents and facilitate the player’s return to join the national team camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s World Cup preparations officially gathered momentum as the Green Falcons delegation departed for the United States amid an emotional send-off led by Minister of Sport Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal.
During a meeting attended by Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al Misehal, the sports minister delivered a message from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, who expressed his support for the squad and wished the players success at the World Cup.
Prince Abdulaziz told the players that Saudi Arabia’s participation on football’s biggest stage reflects the Kingdom’s growing sporting presence in major international competitions, urging them to compete with “full commitment and high spirit” during the tournament.
The atmosphere at the departure terminal reflected the growing excitement surrounding Saudi Arabia’s World Cup journey.
Several academy prospects, including players from Mahd Academy, met senior national team stars, posed for photos and collected signed shirts and memorabilia before departure.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais led the arrival of players at the terminal, while captain Salem Al Dawsari spent time greeting young supporters and signing shirts.
The delegation was welcomed with Saudi coffee and incense in festive scenes before boarding the flight to the United States, where Saudi Arabia will begin their World Cup campaign later this month.
Source: Saudi Gazette