‘Calm’ Mancini different from expected, admits Saleh Al-Shehri
RIYADH: Ask Saleh Al-Shehri how he found working with Roberto Mancini on international duty and the answer is not what you might expect.
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Mancini’s Saudi Arabia taking shape: 5 things learned from Asian World Cup qualifiers
RIYADH: The journey toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with Asia’s big guns kick-starting their campaigns over the past week.
Roberto Mancini ready for tough test as Saudi Arabia face Jordan in World Cup qualifier
Saudi Arabia have a golden chance to open an early lead at the top of Group G of the Asian Qualifiers to the 2026 Fifa World Cup when they take on Jordan on Tuesday in their second game of the group.
Mancini expecting ‘tough match’ against Jordan
RIYADH: Saudi coach Roberto Mancini said that he is expecting a ‘tough match’ against Jordan in Amman.
Mancini’s Saudi team face tricky test against Jordan in 2026 World Cup qualifier
Roberto Mancini has been head coach of Saudi Arabia for three months and five games, but Tuesday’s game with Jordan presents his biggest test yet. In fact, it could be said that the road to the 2026 World Cup really starts now.
Rain a 'good omen' for Mancini as Saudi Arabia ease past Pakistan in World Cup qualifier
The weather in Saudi Arabia was not quite what Roberto Mancini would have envisaged upon his competitive debut with his new side, but still they did enough to open 2026 World Cup qualification with victory against Pakistan.
Saudi national team coach Roberto Mancini determined to take 3 points from Pakistan
AL-AHSA: The Saudi national football team’s match against Pakistan on Thursday “is our first official match and of course, beginnings are always challenging,” said head coach Roberto Mancini. The match, at Al-Fateh’s Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, kicks off the first round of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. It is the first competitive game since Mancini took control of the team in late August, and the squad has been preparing this week in Al-Ahsa. “I would like to thank the people of Al-Ahsa for the warm welcome we have received in the past few days,” said Mancini. Regarding the readiness of the players for their first competitive game since the Gulf Cup in January, he added: “We are aiming to perform well and secure the points from the match.” There are a number of new faces in his squad and Mancini said: “I believe it is the right time to call up new players, especially after observing several players over the past three months. I am confident that we have talented young players who deserve the opportunity.” The Saudis will also take on Jordan in the qualifiers on Tuesday, and Mancini said: “Our goal is to give our best effort in all the matches but right now we need to focus on the match against Pakistan, where we aim to perform well and win all three points.” Midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi said: “The match will not be easy, especially as it comes at the beginning of the qualifiers.
Eyes on Mancini’s Saudi team as 2026 World Cup qualifiers kick off against Pakistan
On Thursday, it will be six days short of one year since Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup.