Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup: Al Johani and Kessie Teammates Turned Rivals
Author : Football World Cup Tickets | Published On : 15 Nov 2025
Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup: Ziyad Al Johani and Franck Kessie are usually inseparable at Al Ahli, sharing the same locker room, tactics discussions, and the camaraderie that develops when teammates spend countless hours training side by side. As the heartbeat of Al Ahli’s midfield, the duo has become central to the club’s recent success. Their pairing might have seemed unusual at first. Al Johani, a slight yet dynamic central midfielder, and Kessie, a physically dominant presence, but together.
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They have forged a partnership that has been pivotal in driving the team forward. This dynamic has not gone unnoticed, and the impact of Kessie’s presence on Al Johani’s development has been profound since the Ivorian joined the Saudi club in 2023. However, this weekend will see the duo step out of their usual shared environment and face each other in an international friendly, with Saudi Arabia hosting Cote d’Ivoire in Jeddah.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the match offers both teams a valuable opportunity to test their squads ahead of next year’s tournament. For Saudi Arabia, it carries extra significance as they prepare for next month’s FIFA Arab Cup, making it an essential stepping stone for young players like Al Johani. For the midfielder, facing Kessie a player who has been both mentor and teammate, is a rare chance to measure his progress against someone.
Al Johani Learns from Stars in Saudi League Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The influx of international stars into the Roshn Saudi League has had a remarkable effect on domestic talent, exposing players to a level of professionalism previously unseen in the league. Day after day, Saudi players like Al Johani train alongside global stars such as Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. Observing their preparation, work ethic, recovery routines, and overall attitude both on and off the pitch has been an invaluable learning experience.
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While domestic players have always been professional, witnessing the standards of elite-level football firsthand highlights the heights they can achieve with dedication and focus. Al Johani is a prime example of a young player benefiting from this environment, and his growth has been evident in his performances over the past year. Physically, Al Johani and Kessie are quite different. Al Johani’s lean build contrasts sharply with Kessie’s imposing physique.
Yet this difference has allowed them to complement each other effectively on the field. Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle recognized the potential of this partnership early in Kessie’s tenure. Al Johani had always shown promise, featuring in youth national teams and winning both the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup and WAFF U23 Championships in 2022. Where he even finished as joint top scorer. At Al Ahli.
Al Johani Set to Shine Against Kessie Ahead of Football World Cup 2026
Their synergy in midfield is based on balance. Kessie often operates further forward, linking the midfield with the attack. While Al Johani takes on a more defensive, box-to-box role, breaking up opposition attacks and providing cover for his teammates. It is a role that rarely appears on the scoresheet but is crucial to the team’s structure. Al Johani’s consistency in tracking back, intercepting passes, and protecting the defensive line has allowed Kessie to push forward with confidence.
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Al Johani’s performances over the last 12 months earned him his first call-up and cap for the Saudi national team, cementing his status as an emerging talent in Herve Renard’s squad as they look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The upcoming friendly against Cote d’Ivoire will be a chance for him to showcase his growth on the international stage and, perhaps, to compete against Kessie in a completely different context. Facing a club teammate as an opponent is a unique challenge.
Despite the brief international detour, their partnership at Al Ahli remains strong. Once national team duties conclude, both players will return to their familiar roles at the club, where they will again work in tandem to help Al Ahli maintain their position at the top of the Saudi League table. Their collaboration is vital for the team, particularly as Al Ahli chases further success in domestic competitions.
Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup: Al Johani’s Growth and Kessie’s Leadership Boost Al Ahli
For Al Johani, the journey has been as much about personal development as professional achievement. Training alongside someone of Kessie’s caliber has accelerated his learning curve, improving not just his technical skills but also his understanding of positioning, decision-making under pressure, and the mental toughness required at the highest levels of football. It is a testament to how exposure to elite players can transform promising talent into a fully capable professional.
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Ready to perform on both domestic and international stages. The upcoming friendly is a natural extension of this process, offering him a platform to test his progress and gain invaluable experience ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, Kessie continues to be a critical figure at Al Ahli, using his experience to guide younger teammates while maintaining his own high standards on the pitch. His influence has extended beyond the individual.
Shaping the entire team’s approach to training, preparation, and matchday performance. Together, the two midfielders exemplify the benefits of blending youthful energy with seasoned expertise a combination that has made Al Ahli a formidable force and enhanced the overall competitiveness of the Saudi league. Both sides have ambitions tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026, making the friendly more than just an exhibition; it is a rehearsal for the challenges that lie ahead.
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Q1. Who is Ziyad Al Johani in Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 plans?
Ziyad Al Johani is a young Saudi midfielder playing for Al Ahli and has recently earned a national team call-up ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Q2. How has Franck Kessié influenced Al Johani’s Football World Cup preparation?
Kessie has mentored Al Johani at Al Ahli, improving his technical skills, positioning, and mental toughness to help him prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Q3. What roles do Al Johani and Kessie play for FIFA World Cup readiness?
Al Johani is a box-to-box midfielder, while Kessie links midfield to attack. Their complementary roles strengthen Saudi Arabia’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Q4: How does their partnership at Al Ahli impact Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2026 squad?
Their synergy at the club enhances team cohesion and prepares both players for international duty at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Q5: Why is the friendly against Cote d’Ivoire important for the World Cup?
It allows Al Johani to test his skills against Kessie and gain crucial international experience ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
