England have already attracted attention beyond their own supporter base after beginning their 2026 World Cup campaign in the United States.
The Three Lions are one of the highest-profile teams at the tournament, and their opening result has quickly placed Thomas Tuchel’s side under the spotlight.
That attention has now included a public message from Turki Alalshikh, one of the most prominent Saudi figures in global sport and entertainment.
Turki Alalshikh says England are his team at the World Cup
Alalshikh’s message was brief, but it stood out because of his profile in global sport.
He wrote on X: “إنجلترا فريقي في البطوله”, which translates as: “England is my team in the tournament.”
He is a major figure in Saudi sport and entertainment, with influence across events, boxing and wider entertainment.
His post has generated attention, but it still needs to be read carefully.
He did not explicitly predict England to win the World Cup. He simply identified them as his team in the tournament.
It should not be framed as a statement against Saudi Arabia either, with the national team also competing at the tournament.
England have already made a strong start under Thomas Tuchel
The timing of Alalshikh’s post gives it clear football context.
England opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, giving Thomas Tuchel’s side a strong start in Group L.
That result has helped sharpen focus on England early in the competition.
Alalshikh’s post adds to that spotlight, but the safest interpretation remains the simplest one. He has named England as his team for the tournament.
Anything more than that would need a clearer statement from him.
Read more:
