Pizzi led the first training session with Kuwait.

DUBAI, Aug 26: Jamal Al-Otaibi, a Football Association Board of Directors member and head of the national team delegation in the UAE camp expressed optimism about the camp’s benefits ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.

Kuwait is training in two daily sessions: a morning session in its hotel gym and an evening session at the Police Officers Club stadium in Dubai. The camp will continue until September 2, when the team will depart for Amman to prepare for its match against Jordan on September 5. This match marks the beginning of their campaign in the decisive round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Al-Otaibi noted that the Blues are undergoing their preparatory training under the guidance of new head coach Juan Pizzi and his assistant staff. He expressed hope that Pizzi will successfully fulfill his role and lead the team to achieve its best results. Kuwait is in Group B, alongside South Korea, Iraq, Palestine, and Oman.

Al-Otaibi emphasized that the camp’s goals include implementing strategic plans, enhancing player cohesion, and ensuring optimal preparation for the qualifiers. He hoped the team’s program would proceed as planned to achieve their objectives. In addition to its training, Kuwait will play a friendly match against Bahrain on Wednesday in the UAE.

Meanwhile, Jordan will face North Korea in a friendly at Petra Stadium tonight at 7:00 PM, with a return match scheduled for next Thursday at Amman International Stadium. Both matches will be played behind closed doors as decided by the teams' technical staff, meaning they will not be broadcast on television or open to the public.

Jordanian professionals Rizq Bani Hani, Nour Al-Rawabdeh, Ali Alwan, and Yazan Al-Naimat have joined the national team’s training sessions. Ticket sales for the Jordan vs. Kuwait match began. Ticket prices are set at 20 dinars for the special class, 6 for the second class, and 4 for the third class.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff