RENARD SACKED AS SAUDI ARABIA COACH AHEAD OF 2026 WORLD CUP
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Hervé Renard has revealed he has been dismissed as head coach of Saudi Arabia national football team, less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to AFP on Friday, the 57-year-old confirmed his departure, marking the end of his second stint in charge after returning to the role in late 2024. Renard previously led Saudi Arabia at the last World Cup in Qatar, where they recorded a memorable group-stage victory over eventual champions Argentina national football team.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Renard acknowledged the achievements under his leadership, noting that Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice during his tenure.
He also highlighted his unique record of guiding the team through both the qualification process and the tournament itself in 2022, saying it remains a point of pride.
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Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, first managed Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being succeeded by Roberto Mancini.
He later took charge of the France women’s national football team, leading them to the quarter-finals of both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.
After Mancini’s disappointing 14-month spell, Renard was reappointed, but his second tenure has now ended abruptly.
Reports indicate that Georgios Donis, a former Greece international, is being considered as his replacement, with discussions ongoing between the Saudi football federation and Al Khaleej Club, where Donis is currently in charge.
Saudi Arabia are set to compete in Group H at the upcoming World Cup, alongside Spain national football team, Uruguay national football team, and Cape Verde national football team.
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