Saudi Arabia Hold Senegal in Final World Cup Warm-Up

Saudi Arabia completed their preparations for the World Cup with a hard-fought goalless draw against Senegal on Wednesday, producing an encouraging performance against one of Africa’s strongest national teams in their final friendly before the tournament begins.

The match provided both sides with a final opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess squad readiness ahead of their respective World Cup campaigns. While neither team managed to find the breakthrough, the contest featured several promising moments and showcased the defensive discipline of both sides.

Saudi Arabia, coached by Giorgos Donis, started with a strong line-up and looked the more dangerous team during the opening stages. The Green Falcons created a number of opportunities and tested Senegal’s defence with quick attacking moves and energetic pressing.

Their best chance of the first half arrived in the 10th minute when Musab Al Juwayr came close to opening the scoring after being picked out by captain Salem Al-Dawsari. The move highlighted Saudi Arabia’s attacking intent as they sought to gain confidence ahead of their World Cup opener.

Senegal responded four minutes later when Lamine Camara directed a header toward goal, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais dealt comfortably with the effort.

Saudi Arabia continued to push forward and nearly took the lead in the 30th minute. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat found space inside the penalty area but headed over the crossbar from close range, missing a valuable opportunity to put his side ahead.

Senegal increased the pressure during the closing stages of the first half but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Saudi Arabia’s defence remained organised and prevented the African side from seriously testing Al Owais before the interval.

Donis made 10 changes at halftime as part of his preparations for the tournament, giving several squad members valuable playing time. Despite the alterations, Saudi Arabia remained competitive and continued to threaten on the counterattack.

Substitute Ayman Yahya came closest to scoring in the second half when he unleashed a powerful long-range shot shortly after the hour mark that narrowly missed the right post.

The match took another turn in the 84th minute when Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his team to finish the game with 10 men.

The draw leaves Saudi Arabia unbeaten in their final warm-up fixture before beginning their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16. They will then face Spain and Cape Verde.

Senegal will open their Group I campaign against France before taking on Norway and Iraq.