Saudi Arabia Sack Head Coach Renard Ahead Of 2026 World Cup

Hervé Renard has been dismissed as Saudi Arabia’s head coach, less than two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The 57-year-old Frenchman had only returned for a second stint as Saudi coach at the end of 2024, having previously guided them at the last World Cup in Qatar four years ago. Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with Zambia and the Ivory Coast, was initially in charge of Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being succeeded by Italian Roberto Mancini.

After a spell coaching the France women’s team from 2023 to 2024, where he reached the quarter-finals of both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, Renard was brought back to replace Mancini, who had an underwhelming 14-month tenure.

Former Greece international Georgios Donis is reportedly being lined up as Renard’s successor. Sources close to the negotiations suggest talks are underway between the Saudi federation and Al Khaleej, the Saudi club Donis has managed since 2024.

Saudi Arabia are in Group H at the 2026 World Cup, alongside former champions Spain and Uruguay, and debutants Cape Verde. All their group matches are scheduled to be played across the United States. The Arab nation has made six World Cup appearances, with their best result being a round of 16 finish in 1994 in the US. They exited at the group stage in the last World Cup in 2022, famously securing a shock 2-1 group win over eventual champions Argentina. Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2034 World Cup