LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – NOVEMBER 22: Lionel Messi of Argentina battles for possession with Saud Abdulhamid of Saudi Arabia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
France-based defender Saud Abdulhamid has expressed his expectations for the great outing with Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The RC Lens right-back is hoping to replicate his fine club form when the United States of America, Canada and Mexico host the rest of the world in June
Abdulhamid has enjoyed fine form in France this season, from becoming the first Saudi Arabia national to score in the Ligue 1 to steering RC Lens to the French Cup final.
As a result of his impeccable contributions, Lens are now in strong contention for a domestic double – Ligue 1 and the French Cup, this season.
With Saudi Arabia gearing up for a seventh World Cup appearance, the 26-year-old said his country is ready to improve on their performance four years.
Saudi Arabia failed to make it out of the group stage in Qatar 2022 despite their famous 2-1 triumph over eventual champions, Argentina.
“It will be a great feeling to play in my second World Cup in the United States and I believe in the quality of players in our national team,” Abdulhamid said.
“It will be a better outing for Saudi Arabia than Qatar 2022, we have grown and you notice there is a form of consistency in the team selection.
“We have grown as a family in the national team and we are improving game by game as a team.”
However, Saudi Arabia’s growth has not been evident in recent results with the country failing to win their last two friendly matches ahead of the World Cup.
Back-to-back losses to Egypt and Serbia led to the dismissal of head coach Herve Renard with just two months to the World Cup kick-off.
Abdulhamid reacted to the managerial changes and put his weight behind the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in making the country’s football better.
“It was sad news to hear about the departure of a great man,” he said.
“Herve Renard is a good coach who breaks down tactics in simple, clear terms. Everyone could see his efforts in the development of our national team.
“I believe the Saudi FA in making the best decision for our country’s football.”
