French tactician Hervé Renard has confirmed he has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Saudi Arabia national football team, bringing an abrupt end to his second spell in charge just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 57-year-old reflected on his tenure with a sense of dignity despite the timing of his departure. Renard, who returned to the role in late 2024, had previously led Saudi Arabia during a successful first stint between 2019 and 2023.
“That’s football”…Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me,” Renard said. “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’s most iconic moment with the Green Falcons came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his side stunned eventual champions Argentina with a group-stage victory, widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
A highly respected figure in international football, Renard boasts an impressive résumé that includes two Africa Cup of Nations titles, won with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. Between his two stints with Saudi Arabia, he also managed the France women’s national football team, guiding them to the quarter-finals of both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Renard’s return to Saudi Arabia came after the departure of Roberto Mancini, whose 14-month tenure fell short of expectations. However, his second spell has now ended prematurely, prompting the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to once again seek new leadership ahead of the world Cup.
Reports indicate that Georgios Donis is the leading candidate to take over the role. The former Greece international is currently in charge of Al Khaleej FC, with negotiations reportedly ongoing between the club and the federation.
Saudi Arabia have been drawn in a challenging Group H for the upcoming World Cup, where they will face Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.