MIAMI — Saudi Arabia coach Georges Donis has promised an ambitious approach against Uruguay, insisting the Green Falcons will look to impose themselves rather than sit back in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the Group H clash in Miami, the Greek coach said his players have the belief and confidence needed to compete with one of South America’s traditional powers despite having only a short preparation period.
“We are not here to defend and wait for the opponent,” Donis said.
“We will put pressure on the opponent. We will try to do everything because we believe in ourselves and we want to win the match.”
Donis repeatedly pointed to Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup as proof that football is often decided by belief, concentration and execution rather than pre-match expectations.
“Before the Argentina match, who imagined Saudi Arabia would win?” he said. “It is important to know the opponent, believe in yourself and deal with any circumstances.”
The coach acknowledged that time has been limited since his appointment in April, revealing he has overseen only 12 training sessions since the end of the Saudi Pro League season.
“The preparation period was not long,” Donis said. “But all members of the team have worked with focus and commitment. Tomorrow we will show our fitness and play with full seriousness.”
Saudi Arabia enters one of the tournament’s toughest groups alongside Uruguay, Spain and Cape Verde, but Donis said his squad is focused solely on the opening challenge.
“We analyzed the opponent and their style of play. We know we are facing a strong team and a great coach,” he said. “We must respond with intelligence and determination.”
Asked about Uruguay’s star players, including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, Donis stressed that his focus remains on the collective rather than individuals.
“When I coached in the Champions League, we played against Barcelona with Messi, Neymar and Suárez,” he said. “We did not focus on individuals. Football is about the team, not individuals.”
Donis also defended the use of modern technology during Saudi Arabia’s preparations, including the visual training glasses worn by the team’s goalkeepers in recent sessions.
“These tools help us obtain important information and support the implementation of our plans,” he said.
The coach, who has worked in Saudi football since 2015, also spoke emotionally about his connection to the Kingdom.
“I am grateful to Saudi Arabia,” Donis said. “From the first moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. I love the culture and the people. Saudi Arabia feels like home to me.”
Saudi Arabia will open its World Cup campaign against Uruguay before facing Spain and Cape Verde, with the Green Falcons hoping to reach the knockout stage for the first time since the 1994 tournament in the United States.
Source: Saudi Gazette