Saudi Arabia have parted ways with French coach Herve Renard just two months before the 2026 World Cup, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Friday.
Renard, 57, returned in late 2024 for a second spell, leading Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2022, and famously beating Argentina in the group stage.
“That’s football… Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me,” Renard told AFP. “And there’s only one coach who led them through both qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022.”
Saudi’s Legacy
Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, coached Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023, replaced Roberto Mancini after Italy’s 14-month underwhelming stint.
Renard also led France’s women’s team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympics quarterfinals. After his return, he restored Saudi pride with bold performances. Yet, the federation moved swiftly now.
Georgios Donis, former Greece international, is set to take over, with negotiations are underway with Saudi club Al-Khaleej, where Donis has managed since 2024.
The Green Falcons will face tough opponents Spain Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H at this year’s World Cup.
