Egypt to play Saudi Arabia in a pre-World Cup friendly in Jeddah

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have confirmed an international friendly between their senior national teams, scheduled for March 27 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The match is designed to provide both sides with valuable preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing coaches to assess players, test tactics, and build cohesion within their squads.

This encounter reflects the strong footballing and diplomatic ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation in sport.

The game is expected to draw significant attention from fans in both countries and across the Arab world, as it offers a high-profile platform for players to showcase their skills on an international stage.

In a statement, the Egyptian Football Association expressed its gratitude to the Qatar Football Association for their role in promoting regional football initiatives, describing the gesture as a “football festival” aimed at fostering camaraderie and sporting excellence.

The EFA also conveyed prayers for continued peace and security throughout the Arab world, highlighting the broader cultural and social significance of such matches beyond the pitch.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, the Egyptian national team has been drawn into Group G, alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Their group stage fixtures are set to take place in North America, with matches scheduled in Seattle, USA, and Vancouver, Canada.

The upcoming friendly against Saudi Arabia will therefore serve as a crucial step in finalizing preparations, testing strategies against strong competition, and ensuring that the squad enters the tournament in peak condition.

Officials from both federations have indicated that further announcements regarding ticketing, broadcasting, and related events surrounding the friendly will be shared in the coming weeks, signaling a broader celebration of football in the region and providing fans with multiple opportunities to engage with their national teams.