The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has sacked head coach Hervé Renard in a surprise decision just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his second spell in charge of the national team.
- +Saudi Arabia sacks Hervé Renard two months before 2026 World Cup
The decision, confirmed on Friday, takes immediate effect, meaning the 57-year-old will not lead the Green Falcons at the global tournament.
The decision, confirmed on Friday, takes immediate effect, meaning the 57-year-old will not lead the Green Falcons at the global tournament.
Renard also confirmed his departure, telling AFP: “That’s football… Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me. And there’s only one coach who has led them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022. At least there will be that sense of pride.”
Renard returned for a second stint at the end of 2024, having previously coached Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2023. During his first spell, he guided the team to a famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
A two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, Renard also managed the France women’s national team, reaching the quarter-finals of both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
He was reappointed to replace Roberto Mancini, who left after a disappointing 14-month tenure.
Former Greece international Georgios Donis is reportedly the leading candidate to take over, with negotiations ongoing between the federation and Al Khaleej, where he is currently in charge.
Saudi Arabia has been drawn in Group H of the 2026 World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.
Renard’s sudden exit is also likely to fuel speculation over his next move, with reports linking him to the Ghana national football team job as interest intensifies ahead of the next international cycle.
He had been under contract with Saudi Arabia until 2027.
