Saudi Arabia and Egypt are gearing up for a friendly match on March 27, 2026, at Alinma Bank Stadium in Jeddah, following their successful qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Saudi Arabia topped their AFC qualifiers, while Egypt dominated Group A in the CAF qualification phase, earning an impressive 26 points and remaining unbeaten across 10 matches.
This upcoming clash serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to assess their depth without the pressures of competitive play. The last encounter between these two nations saw Saudi Arabia emerge victorious, but Egypt has historically performed well against them, winning four of their last seven meetings.
Despite their strong qualifications, both teams are currently facing challenges. Egypt is on a two-match losing streak, while Saudi Arabia has not won in their last two outings. Notably, Mohamed Salah will be absent from the Egypt squad due to injury, which could impact their performance.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:30 PM GMT (12:30 PM ET, 11:00 PM IST), and both teams are expected to field competitive lineups. Saudi Arabia’s predicted lineup includes Salem Aldawsari, while Egypt is likely to feature Omar Marmoush.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has won two matches against Egypt, while Egypt has claimed victory in four, with one match ending in a draw. This friendly will not only serve as a preparation for the World Cup but also as a chance for both coaches, Hervé Renard of Saudi Arabia and Hossam Hassan of Egypt, to experiment with their tactics and player selections.
As the teams prepare for this encounter, observers will be keen to see how they adapt without their star players and how they address their recent form. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final rosters and strategies for the match.
