Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Saudi Arabia-Senegal, likely lineups
At Toyota Field in San Antonio, at 1 a.m. Italian time, the last friendly match of preparation will be staged for Saudi Arabia and Senegal: the two teams will play each other before making their debut in their respective World Cup groups. The Saudis are placed in Group H with from Uruguay, Spain and Cape Verde, while the Lions of the Teranga are in Group I with France, Iraq and Norway.
The African team wants to immediately turn the page after the 3-2 defeat against the United States and improve especially in a defensive phase that has raised more than one doubt. In excellent form, however, is the offensive trio composed of Mané, Jackson and Ndiaye, who were positive protagonists in the same match. Against Saudi Arabia, coach Thiaw aims to perfect the two phases ahead of the first important challenge against France.
New course for Saudi Arabia. With two months to go before his debut in the rainbow review, technical commissioner Georgios Donis has taken over the leadership of the national team, taking over at a crucial time when time for experiments is at a minimum. The Greek coach seems intent on immediately giving the team a pragmatic imprint through the 4-2-3-1 form, focusing on solid defensive organization and fast restarts. However, the first signs are encouraging: in the last friendly played, the Saudi selection won with a clear 3-0 victory against Puerto Rico. It now remains to be seen whether the group will complete the assimilation of the new work rhythms and tactical dictates in time for the world debut.
Thiaw will start again with the offensive trident composed of Iliman Ndiaye, Jackson and Mané; in the middle of the field space for Monaco’s trequartista Lamine Camara, along with Sarr and Jakobs. As full-backs ready Diatta and Diouf, resting Kalidou Koulibaly (in his place Seck, who will play alongside Sarr), defending the posts will be Diaw.
Donis opts for a 4-2-3-1 with Al Kassar between the posts, Saud Abdulhamid and Kadesh on the side lanes, Lajami and Thakri manning the penalty area. The dam protecting the defense is composed of Aljohani and Kanno, on the three-quarter can’t miss captain Al-Dawsari, along with Mandash and Al-Hamdan, supporting the only forward Al-Ghannam.
Probable formations
SAUDIAN ARABIA (4-2-3-1): Al Kassar; Saud Abdulhamid, Lajami, Thakri, Kadesh; Kanno, Aljohani; Al-Dawsari, Mandash, Al-Hamdan; Al Ghannam. Ct: Donis.
SENEGAL (4-3-3): Diaw; Diatta, Seck, Sarr, Diouf; Camara, Jakobs, Sarr; Mané, Jackson, Ndiaye. Ct: Thiaw.
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