The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Thursday the appointment of Greek coach Georgios Donis as the new head coach for the national team, securing the Greek tactician at the helm of the “Green Falcons” until July 2027.
Consequently, Donis replaces Frenchman Herve Renard just two months before the highly anticipated World Cup kicks off in North America. The federation confirmed Donis signed his contract after parting ways with Renard’s amicably last week.
The 56-year-old manager brings a wealth of European experience to Riyadh, having previously managed prominent clubs like AEK Athens and PAOK, as well as Saudi clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Wehda, Al-Fateh and most recently Al-Khaleej. Experts expect his familiarity with Saudi football to help accelerate the team’s transition ahead of a crucial international period.
During his coaching career, Donis has won the Cypriot league title and Cypriot Cup in 2013-14, in addition to major honors in Saudi Arabia including the King’s Cup in 2015, the Crown Prince Cup in 2015-16 and the Saudi Super Cup in 2015.
Preparation for North America 2026
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continue their intense preparations for the World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host. The federation plans to hold a comprehensive press conference in Riyadh to introduce the new coaching staff to the public.
Following this media event, the squad will depart for a specialized training camp located within the United States to acclimatize. This rigorous schedule ensures the players remain focused on their goal of advancing past the group stages in the tournament.
Notably, Herve Renard, who returned for a second term in 2024, leaves a lasting legacy after leading the three-time Asian champions through a successful and competitive World Cup qualification campaign. The Green Falcons now prepare to face formidable opponents in Group H, including football giants Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.
