Saudi Arabia Dismisses Coach Renard Ahead of World Cup

Hervé Renard has been sacked as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national football team, just two months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in North America. The 57-year-old Frenchman had returned for a second spell in charge, having previously managed the team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Renard is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, having led Zambia and the Ivory Coast to victory. He initially took over the Saudi team in 2019 and continued until 2023, replacing Roberto Mancini, who left after a disappointing 14-month tenure.

Reports indicate that former Greek international Giorgio Doni is being considered as Renard's replacement, with discussions ongoing within the Saudi Football Federation. Saudi Arabia is drawn in Group H for the World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, with their best performance being a round of 16 finish in the 1994 World Cup.