Riyadh – Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the future of Saudi Arabia’s national team manager, Hervé Renard, is hanging in the balance. Reports emerging from Saudi Arabia indicate the 57-year-aged Frenchman is on the verge of being dismissed, a stunning development given his previous success with the team and the upcoming tournament.
Renard, who gained international recognition for leading Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2012 and 2015 respectively, initially took the helm of the Saudi national team in 2019. He orchestrated a monumental upset at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, guiding Saudi Arabia to a 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina – a result that reverberated throughout the football world. Though, recent form and a heavy defeat have cast a shadow over his position.
A Return to the Desert in 2024
The situation is particularly surprising considering Renard’s relatively recent return to the Saudi Arabian setup. After a stint managing the French women’s national team – a period marked by challenges including disappointing performances at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – he resumed his role with the Saudi squad in October 2024. He was brought back with the express goal of preparing the team for the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament.
According to reports, Renard had not been formally notified of any impending dismissal as of Tuesday, and was scheduled to lead the team in a friendly match against Serbia. However, a 4-0 loss to Egypt in a friendly on Friday appears to have sealed his fate. The defeat raised serious concerns about the team’s preparedness for the challenges ahead, and prompted swift action from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Regragui a Potential Replacement?
The Saudi press is already speculating about potential replacements, with Walid Regragui, recently relieved of his duties as manager of Morocco, emerging as a leading candidate. Regragui guided Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup, and his tactical acumen and experience would be highly valued by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
This isn’t the only national team making changes ahead of the World Cup. Ghana also parted ways with their manager, Otto Addo, following a 2-1 defeat against Germany on Monday. The timing of these changes, so close to the tournament, underscores the immense pressure on national team coaches to deliver results.
Renard’s coaching career has been marked by a knack for inspiring underdog teams and achieving unexpected successes. His ability to instill belief and tactical discipline has been a hallmark of his approach. He currently boasts a managerial record of 22 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses with Saudi Arabia, according to records available as of December 15, 2025. His overall career record includes stints managing teams in France, England, Algeria, and Zambia, demonstrating a diverse and extensive experience in international football.
The decision to potentially remove Renard so close to the World Cup is a significant gamble for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. While the recent results have been concerning, Renard’s previous achievements with the team, particularly the victory over Argentina, cannot be ignored. The move signals a desire for immediate improvement and a belief that a change in leadership is necessary to maximize the team’s potential in the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its growing footballing ambitions on a global stage. The country has invested heavily in developing its domestic league and attracting international talent, and the national team is expected to be a competitive force in the tournament. The expanded format of the World Cup, with 48 teams participating, offers Saudi Arabia a greater chance of progressing beyond the group stage, but they will require a strong and cohesive team to achieve that goal.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position, Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the World Cup continue. The team is scheduled to participate in a series of friendly matches in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity for players to gain match fitness and for the new manager – if appointed – to implement their tactical strategies. The team’s opening match of the tournament is scheduled for June 11th, and the pressure will be on to make a strong start.
Renard’s reputation remains high, particularly in Africa, and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he could locate another national team opportunity before or during the World Cup. His track record of success in African football makes him a highly sought-after candidate for any nation looking to strengthen its coaching staff.
The situation in Saudi Arabia serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of international football management. Coaches are often judged on short-term results, and even those with proven track records can find themselves under pressure when performances dip. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Saudi Arabia as they navigate this challenging period and prepare for the biggest tournament in world football.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Saudi Arabian national team is their friendly match against Serbia on Tuesday. Following that, the team will announce its final World Cup squad and continue its preparations for the tournament in North America.
What are your thoughts on this developing story? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to follow Archysport for the latest updates on the 2026 World Cup and all things football.
