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World Cup 2026
Saud Abdulhamid missed joining the Saudi national team camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup after his car was stolen in Amsterdam, resulting in the loss of his passport.
Saud Abdulhamid, the right-back for French club Lens, unexpectedly delayed his arrival to the Saudi national team’s training camp prior to the 2026 World Cup.
The Saudi team departed on Monday for the United States to hold a preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, Abdulhamid did not travel with the squad to New York City after experiencing a theft incident in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where his car was stolen along with his personal belongings, including his passport.
In an official statement, the Saudi Football Federation said: "Saud Abdulhamid’s delay in joining the preparatory camp was due to his inability to reach Riyadh today as per his confirmed reservation, following the theft of his private vehicle in Amsterdam."
The statement added: "Abdulhamid was in the Dutch capital with his family to conduct his marriage ceremony, and the theft incident resulted in the loss of his personal items, including his passport."
It concluded: "The Saudi Football Federation is coordinating with the Ministry of Sports to follow up on the investigation, alongside liaising with the Saudi Embassy in the Netherlands to issue the necessary documents for him to join the team."
The Saudi national team is placed in Group H of the World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.
Recently, Abdulhamid won the French Cup with Lens, becoming the first Saudi player to achieve this title.
The Saudi Professional League has demonstrated its strength by having several major national teams call up players active in the "Roshn" League.
As the seasons in leagues worldwide conclude, World Cup teams continue to announce their squads.
Among the surprises in some announced squads was the England national team, which included Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, while excluding Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
Portugal’s squad features Al-Nassr veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, along with Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves, while France called up Al-Hilal defender Théo Hernandez.
The inclusion of players from the Saudi League by major European teams such as France and England, alongside the exclusion of players from prominent European clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, highlights the growing strength of the Saudi league.
Senegal’s squad includes Al-Nassr winger Sadio Mané, Al-Ahli goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Al-Hilal captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
Ivory Coast’s team features Al-Ahli star Franck Kessié, while Mexico’s squad includes Al-Qadsiah’s Julian Quiñones, the Saudi League’s top scorer with 33 goals.
Although many national teams have yet to announce their World Cup rosters, it is expected that other elite teams will also include stars from the "Roshn" League in their lineups.
