The World Cup can be a platform for football fans around the world to embrace traditions like the Netherlands' orange walk, Scotland's Tartan army or the viral standing Congo fan.
For Saudi Arabia fans who descended upon Miami, Florida, ahead of the Green Falcons' opener against Uruguay, the tournament presents an opportunity to highlight the Arab world's football culture.
“I really hope that people understand our love for the game. It truly is a big part of our culture,” said Fahed Al Thaheri, who lives in Gainesville, Florida.
Saudi Arabia are one of eight Arab teams represented at the expanded 2026 World Cup – the largest delegation from the region in history.
“When there's more Arabs, people see us, and then the world understands us more, they see our culture, they see how we talk, and we make friends, and that is good,” said Khalid Habash, who travelled to Miami from Washington.
“Everywhere you see a Saudi flag, and that's beautiful.”
Ahead of Saudi Arabia's opener against Uruguay on Monday, fans could be seen wearing the national team's classic green kit.
Saudi Arabia enter the 2026 World Cup with memories of their historic 2022 victory against Argentina still fresh in fans' minds.
Mr Habash offered an optimistic outlook for the Green Falcons, believing they can push Spain in the group stage. Cape Verde round out Group H.
“We have big confidence in the Saudi national team. They show us that they can win,” he said.
Best photos of the World Cup - in pictures
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US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino alongside the 2026 World Cup champions: Spain. Reuters -
Ferran Torres scores Spain's first goal past Argentina's Emiliano Martinez in the 106th minute of extra time at the World Cup final. Reuters -
Argentina's Lionel Messi after losing out to Spain in the final. Reuters -
England's players with their medals, after winning the third-place play-off against France in Miami. AFP -
French striker Kylian Mbappe challenges English defender Ezri Konsa at the Miami Stadium. AFP -
England forward Bukayo Saka, centre, celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal. AFP -
Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scoring the equaliser against England at Atlanta Stadium. AFP -
Anthony Gordon scores the opening goal for England against Argentina. EPA -
Spain's players celebrate after beating France to reach the World Cup final. Reuters -
Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, left, is challenged by French defender Theo Hernandez in Arlington. AFP -
France forward Kylian Mbappe shows his disappointment during the semi-final defeat to Spain. AFP -
Mikel Merino celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Belgium in Inglewood. AFP -
Messi controls the ball against Switzerland's Granit Xhaka during the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City. AFP -
Jude Bellingham celebrates after winning the quarter-final match between Norway and England in Miami. AFP -
France talisman Kylian Mbappe was on target in his team's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco. EPA -
Gessime Yassine looks dejected after the match as Morocco's World Cup comes to an end. Reuters -
Fans in Buenos Aires celebrate Argentina's victory against Egypt. Getty Images -
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Egypt in Atlanta. AFP -
Gregor Kobel of Switzerland saves Cucho Hernandez's penalty for Colombia in the shoot-out in Vancouver. AFP -
Portugal's Bernardo Silva is left in disbelief after a missed chance against Spain, in Arlington. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo is dejected after the match against Spain, as his Portugal team are eliminated from the World Cup. Reuters -
Belgium's Hans Vanaken scores their third goal past Matt Freese of the US, in Seattle. Reuters -
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scores their first goal against the US. Reuters -
Australian referee Alireza Faghani shows a red card to England defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico. AFP -
Erling Haaland scores his and Norway's second goal against Brazil. AFP
This is the seventh time Saudi Arabia have appeared at a World Cup in the past nine editions, although they arrived via a three-team play-off after finishing third in their group to Jordan and Australia during the Asian qualifying process.
French football coach Herve Renard, who managed Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win against Argentina in 2022, returned for a second stint in 2024 before he was sacked in April. Georgios Donis now manages the squad.
Their World Cup hopes will be guided by Al Hilal captain Salem Al Dawsari, who also captains the Saudi national team.
The 34-year-old has scored 27 goals across 110 appearances for Saudi Arabia, on top of the 300-plus appearances he has made for Al Hilal.
While expectations might not be as high compared to the 2034 World Cup (hosted in Saudi Arabia), fans believe the expanded tournament could work in the Green Falcons' favour.
Thirty-two teams will advance from the group stage: the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place teams.
Mr Al Thaheri told The National he believes this World Cup could be a good omen for the Green Falcons, who advanced to the knockout stage the last time the tournament was hosted in the US.
“We have really high hopes,” he said.
