Saudi Arabia Sacks Hervé Renard Ahead of 2026 World Cup
In a shocking move just eight weeks before the tournament kicks off, Saudi Arabia has sacked head coach Hervé Renard, ending the Frenchman’s second stint with the “Green Falcons” just before the 2026 World Cup.
Confirming the news to AFP following initial reports from French broadcaster RMC, the 57-year-old coach expressed pride in his history with the team despite the abrupt exit. “It’s football,” Renard said in a telephone interview. “Saudi Arabia has qualified for the World Cup seven times, twice with me. Only one coach has made it past the group stage—it was me, in 2022. At least I will have that pride.”
A History of Highs and Lows
Renard’s legacy in Saudi Arabia is defined by the historic 2-1 upset victory over eventual champions Argentina during the 2022 World Cup group stage. After a brief and disappointing spell leading the French women’s national team through the Paris 2024 Olympics, Renard returned to Riyadh in October 2024 to replace Roberto Mancini.
Mancini, who led Italy to the Euro 2021 title, was dismissed after a string of mediocre results, including a critical home loss to Japan. While Renard successfully navigated the remainder of the qualifying campaign to secure Saudi Arabia’s third consecutive World Cup appearance, recent form appears to have sealed his fate. The team suffered back-to-back losses during the latest international break, falling 4-0 to Egypt and 2-1 to Serbia.
Legacy of a Continental Specialist
During this second tenure, Renard recorded 13 wins, five draws, and 11 losses across 29 matches, including a third-place finish in the 2025 Asian Cup. Despite the recent slump, his resume remains one of the most decorated in international football. He is a three-time African Coach of the Year and the only manager to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries: Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
Uncertainty Ahead of the Group Stage
The dismissal leaves the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in a race against time. The Green Falcons are slated to compete in Group H against heavyweights Spain and Uruguay, as well as Cape Verde, when the expanded 48-team tournament begins on June 11.
The coaching carousel in international football continues to spin alongside Renard’s departure; earlier this week, veteran Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz was appointed to lead Ghana, another 2026 World Cup finalist, replacing Otto Addo. Saudi Arabia has yet to name a successor for the upcoming tournament in North America.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
