Saudi Green Falcons Face Ecuador Friendly in New Jersey as World Cup Preparation Begins

The Saudi national football team (the Green Falcons) played a pre-tournament friendly against Ecuador on May 30 in Harrison, New Jersey, as part of their World Cup 2026 preparation camp based in New York City. The team had departed Riyadh on May 25 following the announcement of the preliminary 30-man squad by Greek coach Georgios Donis. Saudi Arabia is drawn in Group A for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside host nation United States, Mexico, and Uruguay — considered a challenging group that will test the Kingdom's football program against established continental powers. The preparations represent a strategic moment for Saudi football: MBS has reoriented the PIF's sports portfolio away from LIV Golf and toward football infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup requiring substantial domestic stadiums, training facilities, and football development programs. The Green Falcons' performance in 2026 will directly influence global perception of Saudi Arabia's readiness as a hosting nation.