Saudi Arabia is sending nine players to Spain as part of the Asian country’s attempts to boost its World Cup chances.

The aim of the move is to help make Saudi Arabia more competitive at Jalkapallon Maailmanmestaruuskilpailut 2018, where Saudi Arabia is in Group A along with Egypt, Uruguay, and the hosts Russia. Group A is statistically the easiest group in the tournament, and Saudi Arabia will be hoping this move improves its chances of progressing to the knockout stages, although it is, on paper at least, the weakest side in that group.

Saudi Arabia will play the opening game of the 2018 World Cup against hosts Russia after qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 2006. Are you ready for Jalkapallo Pelipaidat to watch the game?