Saudi Arabia Sacks Coach Hervé Renard Weeks Before 2026 World Cup

French tactician Hervé Renard has confirmed he has been dismissed from his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia, just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Renard described the decision with mixed feelings, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football while reflecting on his achievements with the national team.

“That’s football… Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice under my leadership,” he told AFP. “And I am the only coach who has taken them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup itself, back in 2022. That is something I will always be proud of.”

The 57-year-old returned for a second spell in charge of the Saudi national team at the end of 2024 after previously managing them from 2019 to 2023. During his first tenure, he guided the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they stunned Argentina with a famous group-stage victory.

Renard, a highly regarded international coach, has also enjoyed success in Africa, winning the Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia and Ivory Coast. He has additionally managed the French women’s national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.

His return to the Saudi bench followed the departure of Roberto Mancini after a disappointing spell in charge.

Reports now suggest that Greek coach and former international Georgios Donis is being lined up as a possible replacement, with discussions ongoing between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and his current club, Al Khaleej.

Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H at the 2026 World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, but will now head into the tournament under new leadership.

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