Saudi Arabia have dismissed head coach Herve Renard less than two months before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite the team successfully qualifying for the tournament.
The decision ends the Frenchman’s second spell in charge of the Green Falcons and comes at a critical moment as preparations intensify for football’s biggest competition, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Surprise Exit Before the World Cup
Renard’s departure has raised eyebrows across the football world given the timing of the move. Saudi Arabia secured qualification for the World Cup under his leadership, yet the Saudi Football Federation has opted for a managerial change just weeks before the tournament begins.
Speaking after the decision, the 57-year-old remained philosophical.
“That’s football,” Renard said. “Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me.”
He also highlighted his unique record with the national team.
“There’s only one coach who has led them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup, and that’s me in 2022. At least there will be that sense of pride.”
Renard’s History with Saudi Arabia
Renard first took charge of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and quickly built a competitive side. His biggest moment came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Saudi Arabia stunned eventual champions Argentina with a famous 2-1 group-stage victory.
Although Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage, that result became one of the most memorable upsets in World Cup history and elevated Renard’s profile globally.
He left the Saudi role in 2023 and was replaced by Italian manager Roberto Mancini.
Brief Spell With France Women
After leaving Saudi Arabia, Renard became head coach of the France women’s national team.
During his short tenure, he guided France to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also reached the last eight at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
His ability to adapt across both men’s and women’s international football further strengthened his reputation as one of the game’s most experienced tournament coaches.
Return to Saudi Arabia
Renard returned for a second spell as Saudi Arabia coach at the end of 2024 after Roberto Mancini’s disappointing 14-month stint.
The Saudi federation viewed Renard as a familiar and trusted figure capable of guiding the team back to stability and securing World Cup qualification.
He succeeded in doing so, making his sudden dismissal all the more surprising.
Replacement Already in View
Reports suggest former Greece international Georgios Donis is the leading candidate to replace Renard.
According to sources close to negotiations, discussions are already taking place between Roberto Mancini’s has been in charge since 2024.
If appointed, Donis would face the enormous task of preparing the squad in a very limited time before the tournament begins.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Challenge
Saudi Arabia have been drawn in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside:
Spain
Uruguay
Cape Verde
It is a challenging group featuring two former world champions in Spain and Uruguay, as well as tournament debutants Cape Verde.
All of Saudi Arabia’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
The team will need to be at its best to progress to the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Record
Saudi Arabia have participated in the World Cup multiple times and remain one of Asia’s regular representatives on the global stage.
Their best-ever finish came in 1994, when they reached the Round of 16 during the tournament hosted in the United States.
Since then, they have often struggled to go deep into the competition but have continued to qualify consistently.
Why the Timing Matters
Changing coaches so close to a World Cup always carries risk.
A new manager must quickly assess the squad, implement tactical ideas, build confidence, and prepare for elite opposition in a matter of weeks.
While federations sometimes make late changes in search of better results, such moves can also disrupt momentum and create uncertainty.
Saudi Arabia now face the challenge of balancing ambition with stability as they enter one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Renard’s Legacy
Despite the abrupt ending, Renard leaves with a strong legacy in Saudi football.
He helped the country qualify twice for the World Cup, delivered one of the greatest wins in Saudi football history against Argentina, and restored belief in the national team.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, he remains highly respected internationally after winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
Few coaches can match his record of success across multiple continents.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s decision to sack Herve Renard ahead of World Cup 2026 is one of the most surprising coaching changes in recent international football.
While the federation may believe a fresh direction is needed, the timing creates major pressure ahead of a difficult tournament campaign.
Whether the move proves inspired or costly will be revealed when Saudi Arabia step onto the world stage this summer.
