Unbelievable: a player had his passport stolen during his wedding and his presence at the World Cup could be at risk.

Just a few days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Saudi Arabian national team found itself in a situation as unusual as it is concerning. Saud Abdulhamid, one of the most important players on the Asian team, had his passport stolen during his wedding in Amsterdam and his inclusion in the squad is temporarily in doubt.

After a very good season in Europe, where he became the French Cup champion with Lens and established himself as one of the main Saudi figures abroad, the right-back had traveled to the Netherlands to celebrate his wedding with family and friends after finishing a remarkable season in Europe. However, amid the celebrations, thieves forced his private vehicle and took several personal belongings, including the essential document for traveling.

The Saudi Football Federation itself confirmed the incident through an official statement and explained that the player could not return to the Saudi capital as planned to join the training camp ahead of the World Cup. According to the report, due to the problem, the federation began an urgent coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the country's embassy in the Netherlands to expedite the issuance of new documentation that would allow the player to travel as soon as possible.

While the bureaucratic issue is being resolved, Abdulhamid received a special permit and has the full support of the sports authorities in his country. "The Saudi Football Federation extends all its support to Saud Abdulhamid during these circumstances and eagerly awaits his safe arrival at the national team's camp", concluded the statement.

In parallel to this unforeseen event, Saudi Arabia is focusing its attention on two other fronts: the final list for the World Cup and the preparation friendlies. With 4 days left until the deadline for the final lists, "The Green Falcons" have not yet announced 26 names that will represent them in the tournament and are in full planning for their upcoming matches against Ecuador (May 30 in New Jersey) and Senegal (June 9 in Texas).

In the World Cup, the Arabs will be in Group H along with Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. Their debut will be against the team coached by Marcelo Bielsa on June 15 in Miami, then they will face the European team on the 21st in Atlanta and will close the first phase against the Africans on the 26th in Houston.