Saudi Vision 2030 Has Transformed Sports Sector, Sport Minister Says

His remarks came during his participation in a session as part of the ninth annual Misk Global Forum “MGF25" - SPA
His remarks came during his participation in a session as part of the ninth annual Misk Global Forum “MGF25" - SPA
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Saudi Vision 2030 Has Transformed Sports Sector, Sport Minister Says

His remarks came during his participation in a session as part of the ninth annual Misk Global Forum “MGF25" - SPA
His remarks came during his participation in a session as part of the ninth annual Misk Global Forum “MGF25" - SPA

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal affirmed that Saudi Vision 2030 has created opportunities for all in various fields, with the sports sector being one of the most prominent.

He indicated that the sports sector in the Kingdom has undergone significant transformation compared to previous years, noting that some sports previously had no governing federation or organized practice.

He noted that the Kingdom now has around 97 sports federations, alongside facilities and infrastructure that are being developed in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, SPA reported.

His remarks came during his participation in a session as part of the ninth annual Misk Global Forum “MGF25,” held November 19 and 20 at the nonprofit Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation “Misk Foundation” in Riyadh.

The sport minister emphasized that the current phase requires turning opportunities into tangible outcomes through the energy and ambition of the youth, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s position and consolidating its presence in the regional and international sports arena.

He noted that around 70% of Saudis are under the age of 40, making the group a key pillar in participating in various sports activities and events due to their ambition, determination, and competitiveness. He stressed the importance of providing suitable opportunities for youth to engage in diverse sports experiences and achieve a distinguished international presence.

The minister affirmed that the Kingdom has witnessed notable progress in its participation in international championships, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s first qualification for the Winter Olympics.

He noted that this advancement follows the directives of the wise leadership to expand opportunities and participation for all, contributing to numerous achievements and showcasing national capabilities across various sports fields.



Iran Coach Criticizes US Travel Restrictions after Egypt Match

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - Egypt v Iran - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - June 26, 2026 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - Egypt v Iran - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - June 26, 2026 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen
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Iran Coach Criticizes US Travel Restrictions after Egypt Match

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - Egypt v Iran - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - June 26, 2026 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - Egypt v Iran - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - June 26, 2026 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen

Iran coach Amir ‌Ghalenoei criticized travel restrictions imposed on the team by the United States after their 1-1 draw with Egypt at the World Cup in Seattle on Friday.

Despite having to commute from Mexico to the US for their three group-stage fixtures, Iran came into the match with an outside chance of topping the group.

The US eased travel restrictions on the squad slightly for Friday's match, allowing them to arrive in the Seattle area two days early, Reuters reported.

"The host country treated us very unfairly," Ghalenoei ‌told reporters after ‌the match. "Had the host nation allowed us ‌to ⁠arrive two weeks ⁠earlier, to be more prepared ... we would have been in better shape, physically, mentally. However, they deprived us of that justice."

The restrictions come amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran following a nearly four-month war.

In March, US President Donald Trump said while Iran were welcome to participate in the tournament, he ⁠believed it was not appropriate that they ‌remain there between matches "for their own ‌life and safety."

Iran seemed to have secured an automatic spot in ‌the knockout stage when Shoja Khalilzadeh slammed a loose ball ‌into the net in stoppage time.

Iran fans in the stadium erupted in celebration but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

"I used to think that we were really a totally ‌oppressed team, but after these three games, I have noticed that we also have bad ⁠luck as ⁠well," he said.

"I urge FIFA: don't let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups."

After the match, Iran had to fly back to Tijuana, which delayed recovery, said Ghalenoei.

In Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament with the US and Canada, the squad will wait to see if they advance to the knockout stage for the first time.

"The team came with a sacred objective, which was to train and play well," he said. "If God willing, we advance, I'll give them a day to have proper recovery, go to the beach maybe to mentally relax a bit."


Jordan Coach Sellami in Awe of Argentina Despite Possible Messi Absence

 Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami responds to a question during a news conference Friday, June 26, 2026, ahead of his team's World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami responds to a question during a news conference Friday, June 26, 2026, ahead of his team's World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
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Jordan Coach Sellami in Awe of Argentina Despite Possible Messi Absence

 Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami responds to a question during a news conference Friday, June 26, 2026, ahead of his team's World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami responds to a question during a news conference Friday, June 26, 2026, ahead of his team's World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Arlington, Texas. (AP)

Jordan coach Jamal Sellami is relishing the prospect of closing out his side's debut appearance at the World Cup against defending champions Argentina on Saturday, even if Lionel Messi is likely to start the game at Dallas Stadium on the bench.

The Jordanians lost both of their opening Group J games against Austria and Algeria and have no ‌chance of ‌advancing to the knockout rounds ‌despite ⁠having one match ⁠left to play.

"We have no idea what the Argentina coach will do with regards his initial line-up but, whoever the players are, the team is exceptional and every player deserves his place in this team," ⁠Sellami said.

"They all dream of winning ‌the World Cup, ‌so no matter who the player is he will ‌be carrying the dreams of the ‌Argentina team."

"Of course, if Messi is playing he's one of the best players in the world and if not, we will still be playing ‌against a very strong and solid team."

Captain Noor Al-Rawabdeh said ⁠he wanted ⁠to leave the world with a positive impression of Jordanian football and the nation as a whole.

"Being able to be here is a message that we would like to convey about the Jordanian people and about Jordanian culture, to show to the world who we are," he said.

"The Jordanians are people who have dreams and perseverance and we're happy that we have been able to reflect this image."


Senegal’s Quiet Man Sarr Becomes His Nation’s Leading World Cup Scorer

Ismaila Sarr #18 of Senegal applauds fans after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ismaila Sarr #18 of Senegal applauds fans after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Senegal’s Quiet Man Sarr Becomes His Nation’s Leading World Cup Scorer

Ismaila Sarr #18 of Senegal applauds fans after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ismaila Sarr #18 of Senegal applauds fans after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Getty Images/AFP)

‌Ismaila Sarr's quiet dedication finally got its loudest moment on Friday, as the striker became Senegal's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup in a 5-0 pounding of Iraq and his teammates could not have been prouder.

Sarr's fourth World Cup goal, scored just before the hour mark, moved him past the late Papa Bouba ‌Diop as ‌his country's record marksman at ‌the ⁠tournament.

Those who share ⁠a dressing room with him say the milestone was richly deserved.

"He really, really deserves it," said midfielder Idrissa Gueye. "Yeah, he puts everything into what he does."

The 28-year-old Sarr had drawn level with Diop four ⁠days earlier with a brace ‌against Norway, which ‌made him the first Senegalese player to score ‌at two World Cups.

Defender Moussa Niakhate ‌offered a telling portrait of a man who lets his football do the talking.

"He's an inspiration," said Niakhate. "He's like someone who is really ‌shy, really quiet, but the most important thing is what you ⁠do ⁠on the pitch, and on the pitch he is not shy. He just shows what he can do, always gives his best for the country."

Goalkeeper Mory Diaw, deputizing for the injured Edouard Mendy, echoed the sentiment.

"He deserves it because he's a very good player," said Diaw. "Every day, he works a lot, so he deserves this goal, and I hope for more for him."