Saudi Arabia fell to a 2-1 defeat against Serbia in an international friendly at TSC Arena, Bačka Topola, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as part of the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations.
The Green Falcons made a bright start, taking the lead in the eighth minute when striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan capitalised on a defensive error by Aleksa Terzic to find the net past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Saudi Arabia controlled the opening exchanges and looked comfortable heading into the break.
Serbia’s Second-Half Turnaround
Serbia were a transformed side after the interval and completed a memorable comeback with two goals in four minutes. Strahinja Pavlovic drew the hosts level in the 66th minute with a stunning bicycle kick before Aleksandar Mitrovic headed Serbia into the lead just four minutes later. The Green Falcons failed to test Petrovic in the second half as Serbia held on comfortably for the win.
World Cup 2026 Context
The defeat follows a 4-0 loss to Egypt earlier in the international window. Saudi Arabia face a challenging group at the FIFA World Cup 2026, drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde. Coach Hervé Renard will need to address defensive vulnerabilities before the tournament gets underway.
