Saud Abdulhamid Delayed from Saudi World Cup Camp after Passport and Belongings Stolen in Amsterdam
Saudi defender Saud Abdulhamid was delayed joining the national team after his passport and personal belongings were stolen in Amsterdam while he was with his family for his marriage ceremony, the Saudi Football Federation said. The theft prevented him from reaching Riyadh in time to travel with the squad to the United States for the final preparation camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Saudi sporting authorities and the embassy in the Netherlands are coordinating to secure replacement documents and resolve the matter swiftly.
Federation Statement Confirms Theft and Delay
The Saudi Football Federation issued an official statement confirming that Abdulhamid’s private vehicle was the scene of a theft in Amsterdam, resulting in the loss of personal items including his passport. The federation said the incident occurred while the player was in the Dutch capital with his family for a wedding-related ceremony, and that he was therefore unable to arrive in Riyadh as planned. The statement made clear the theft directly caused his absence from the delegation that departed for the United States.
The federation added that it is monitoring developments and working to assist the player in obtaining the necessary travel documents. Officials described the delay as an administrative and logistical issue rather than a medical or disciplinary matter. They emphasized that the player remains part of the national squad’s plans for the World Cup preparations.
Timing and Impact on Final World Cup Preparations
Abdulhamid’s delay came at a sensitive moment as the Saudi side moved to the United States for the final phase of their training program ahead of the 2026 tournament. The squad had been scheduled to gather in Riyadh before departing, and Abdulhamid’s inability to return in time required last-minute adjustments. Coaching staff and team managers were notified and made contingency plans for the immediate training sessions in the US.
While the player’s absence affects availability for the initial days of the camp, federation sources indicated there is an expectation he will rejoin the team once documentation is secured. The national team’s broader preparations continue as planned, with staff working to minimise disruption to tactical and physical schedules.
Coordination with Ministry, Embassy and Local Authorities
The federation said it is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi embassy in The Hague to expedite a replacement passport and any other required paperwork. The case is also under investigation in the Netherlands, and local authorities have been notified to pursue inquiries into the theft. Officials from the embassy are assisting with consular procedures and liaising with Dutch police as needed.
Saudi sporting officials emphasized the need for rapid administrative processing to allow Abdulhamid to travel to the United States and integrate with the squad. Embassy intervention typically covers emergency travel documents and verification, and the federation confirmed those channels had been activated to facilitate the player’s return.
Club Context: Lens Victory and Player Momentum
Abdulhamid joined Lens after the French club clinched its first-ever Coupe de France title, a landmark victory that raised the profile of several squad members. The defender’s performances with RC Lens have been a key factor in his selection for the national team and in building momentum ahead of the World Cup cycle. Club and national schedules coincided with his personal celebrations in the Netherlands, which compounded the timing of the incident.
Lens’s domestic success means the player arrives to national duty in strong competitive form, and both club and country have an interest in a swift resolution. Club representatives have been informed of the situation and are prepared to coordinate documentation or travel assistance if required to ensure the player fulfills his international commitments.
Logistics, Travel Documents and Possible Re-Entry Timeline
Securing emergency travel documents and coordinating international flights present the most immediate hurdles for Abdulhamid’s return to the national camp. The federation and embassy are expected to follow established consular procedures to issue temporary travel documentation if a full passport cannot be replaced before departure. Once documents are issued, the player will need to travel to Riyadh and then join the US-based camp, potentially arriving later than teammates.
Officials did not specify an exact re-entry timeline, citing ongoing investigations and administrative steps. However, federation sources expressed optimism that, with diplomatic and ministry support, the paperwork could be completed quickly and the player could link up with the squad during the early phase of the US camp.
Squad Options and Coaching Considerations
Coaching staff have contingency plans for short-term absences and are balancing the need to maintain tactical continuity with the desire to include key players. If Abdulhamid is delayed beyond a brief window, staff may rotate personnel in his role during matches or training sessions to sustain preparation intensity. Team officials stressed that selection decisions for the World Cup squad will be made on fitness and form, and that the federation is committed to resolving documentation issues without prejudicing the player’s standing.
The situation also highlights the logistical complexities national teams face during international windows, particularly when personal events coincide with critical preparation periods.
The Saudi Football Federation and relevant authorities continue to work on the case, with the priority on ensuring Saud Abdulhamid can rejoin the national team as soon as possible to continue his preparations for the 2026 World Cup.