Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s journey from 90s novelty to World Cup power grab
From USA 94 to Ronaldo, via Putin and Newcastle, the 2034 hosts-elect are now at the heart of football politics
Paul MacInnes
10, Dec, 2024 @9:36 PM
Socceroos haunted by mediocrity before surviving late scare in Saudi Arabia stumble | Jack Snape
Stalemate might have been worse but for last-gasp offside and return fixture now looks set to be a 2026 World Cup qualification shootout
Jack Snape
14, Nov, 2024 @2:58 PM
Socceroos squander chances before late reprieve in Saudi Arabia stalemate
Australia and Saudi Arabia frustrated in 0-0 draw as disallowed goal denies visitors last-gasp victory in 2026 World Cup qualifier
Joey Lynch at AAMI Park in Melbourne
14, Nov, 2024 @12:53 PM
Socceroos seek to build on newfound momentum in crunch clash with Saudi Arabia | Jack Snape
Australia have started to turn around their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign but now face familiar foes looking to launch their own revival
Jack Snape
13, Nov, 2024 @2:00 PM
Nestory Irankunda dropped for Socceroos’ crunch World Cup qualifiers
Socceroos young gun Nestory Irankunda has been dropped while Sydney FC right-back Rhyan Grant has been handed an unexpected international lifeline
Jack Snape
08, Nov, 2024 @12:53 AM
Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off | John Duerden
Former Italy coach upset players and attracted fans’ ire; he now leaves a team struggling for World Cup qualification
John Duerden
26, Oct, 2024 @7:00 AM
Roberto Mancini walks away from Saudi Arabia after 14 months as coach
Italian leaves by ‘joint agreement’ after seven wins in 18 matches and with the Saudis outside 2026 World Cup qualification spots
Guardian sport with agencies
25, Oct, 2024 @1:23 AM
‘Unacceptable’: Mancini under fire for walking off before Saudi Arabia’s exit
Italian coach headed for the tunnel before South Korea had taken the final penalty of their Asian Cup second-round tie
John Duerden
31, Jan, 2024 @10:38 AM
Asian Cup drama ready to ramp up in last 16 after wild, emotional groups | John Duerden
Eight teams are out but all played their part in the drama so far, including surprise last-16 spots for Syria and Palestine
John Duerden
27, Jan, 2024 @11:18 AM
Mancini in spotlight as off-field issues dampen Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup bid | John Duerden
Despite opening win against Oman, head coach’s exclusion of senior players and banning of local media has caused debate
John Duerden
17, Jan, 2024 @8:00 AM
Saudi Arabia lacks community and political dignity to be a global football hub | Philipp Lahm
Saudi’s football culture can only catch up to Europe and the US once its political conditions see massive change
Philipp Lahm
10, Dec, 2023 @8:00 AM
Mohammed bin Salman says he will ‘continue doing sport washing’ for Saudi Arabia
Crown prince ‘doesn’t care’ about claims that Saudis have invested heavily in football, golf and other sports
Paul MacInnes
21, Sep, 2023 @1:42 PM
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