Balanced Showdown: Saudi Arabia and Algeria Ready for a Friendly Test in Jeddah
15 November 2025
Balanced History Ahead of the Friendly
The Saudi national team, led by French coach Hervé Renard, is preparing to host its North African neighbor Algeria in a friendly on Tuesday at Al-Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah. The match serves as a warm-up as the squad gears up for the Arab Cup in Qatar, set to take place from December 1 to 18.
The head-to-head record between the two sides is modest, with four prior meetings all in friendlies. Algeria won the first clash in January 1976 by 3-1, Saudi responded in 1984 with a 4-2 victory, and in 1986 the two games ended in a goalless draw and a 1-1 draw.
These tune-ups are part of a broader preparation plan, with Renard aiming to fine-tune a squad that has shown steadiness in recent phases and is eager to test itself against a familiar rival.
Ticket news and other details ahead of the match highlight a crowd-pleasing setup, with Saudi fans hoping to see a balanced performance from their side as they sharpen focus for December’s regional tournament.
Renard's Milestone and Team Spirit
Renard has already steered the Green Falcons in 60 matches and will reach 61 with these friendlies, tying the Saudi record for most appearances in charge with Nasser Al-Johri. He returned to lead the team in 2024 after a first stint from 2020 to 2023.
As the squad presses to maintain momentum, the seasoned French coach is building a steady, pragmatic approach that blends efficiency with attacking intent, while the players focus on unity and discipline ahead of the Arab Cup.
Tickets, Training, and the Unbeaten Run
Tickets for the Saudi-Algeria friendly went on sale on Saturday, with price bands ranging from 5 to 500 riyals to accommodate fans. The camp in Jeddah has involved 27 players in the current squad, with plans for adjustments as the match nears.
Saudi Arabia kicked off their warm-up by beating Ivory Coast 1-0 in a recent friendly, and Renard later supervised a light training session at the club gym before evening drills. The team is set to resume closed training later in the camp, ahead of the Algeria clash.
Ahead of the Algeria clash, the Green Falcons ride a five-match unbeaten streak following a 2-0 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup quarter-finals. Since that setback, they have defeated North Macedonia 2-1, drawn with the Czech Republic 1-1, edged Indonesia 3-2, drawn with Iraq 0-0, and defeated Ivory Coast 1-0.
Under Renard, many wins have come by a 1-0 margin—11 of 28 victories in his tenure—while other wins have been more expansive. The team’s biggest win under Renard remains a 5-0 victory over Palestine in World Cup qualifying, a reminder that they can strike decisively when the moment suits.
Punchlines: 1) If that 1-0 habit keeps paying off, Renard should coach my dinner: a guaranteed win, with no leftovers. 2) This match might be tight, but my jokes are looser than Algeria’s defense after a long flight.
