Saudi Arabia sack manager Herve Renard ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Saudi Arabia have dismissed manager Herve Renard less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The 57-year-old Frenchman departs his role a mere 55 days prior to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Greek coach Giorgios Donis is widely expected to be appointed as his successor on a one-year contract.
The former Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United midfielder currently manages Saudi Pro League side Al-Khaleej.
A second spell cut abruptly short
The departing head coach had only returned to the Saudi national team in 2024 for a second stint in charge.
His initial tenure spanned from 2019 to 2023 and included a memorable group-stage victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Roberto Mancini took the reins for 14 months following that first departure, before the Saudi Arabian Football Federation opted to bring their former manager back.
Speaking to news agency AFP regarding his sudden dismissal, the former Zambia and Ivory Coast boss remained pragmatic about the situation.
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.
An extensive international pedigree
Beyond his successes in the Middle East and Africa, the highly travelled tactician ended a 20-year World Cup absence for Morocco when he guided them to the 2018 tournament.
He also recently managed the France women’s national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of both the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His anticipated replacement, Donis, will now face the immediate and daunting challenge of preparing the squad for international football’s premier competition.
