Coach Hervé Renard has been fired as the head coach in Saudi Arabia on Friday, less than two months before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concern over the team’s preparation.
Renard, a 57 year old Frenchman, confirmed his departure revealing he has been dismissed from his duties just weeks before the global tournament kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In previous tournaments, he managed Saudi Arabia in 2019 and 2023 before taking charge of the French women’s national team, later recalling the dismissal of Roberto Mancini.
Renard leaves behind a notable legacy as a two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach having led Ivory Coast and Zambia. He led Saudi Arabia to one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history, a 2-1 victory over Argentina during the 2022 tournament.
With the World Cup tournament approaching, Saudi Arabia is racing against time to appoint a new head coach to prepare the team ahead of the tournament.
Renard successfully guided the team to World Cup qualification after returning to the Saudi Arabia bench in late 2024 for the second time.
