Hervé Renard has been dismissed as head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, the French tactician confirmed to AFP on Friday, April 17, 2026. The decision comes less than two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Saudi Arabia is set to compete in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.
The sacking marks the end of Renard’s second stint in charge of the Saudi national team, which began in October 2024. His first tenure ran from 2019 to 2023, during which he led the team to qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and famously guided them to a historic 2-1 victory over Argentina in the tournament’s opening match.
According to reports confirmed by RMC Sport and multiple French outlets including Le Parisien and L’Équipe, Renard was informed of his dismissal on Friday morning. The decision follows a run of three matches without a win and an exit in the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup. Despite securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup and a recent friendly victory over Ivory Coast, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation opted for a change at the helm.
Renard, 57, acknowledged the timing but accepted the reality of football’s demands. “It’s football,” he told AFP. “Saudi Arabia has qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me. I’m the only coach who has both qualified and taken a team to the World Cup — that was in 2022. At least I’ll always have that.”
His departure opens the door for speculation about a successor. Saudi media have pointed to Georgios Donis, the current head coach of Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League, as a likely candidate to seize over the national team ahead of the summer tournament.
The timing of the dismissal has drawn widespread attention given the proximity to the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, 2026, and runs through July 19 across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Saudi Arabia’s opening match is scheduled against Spain, one of the tournament favorites.
Renard’s exit leaves just five French coaches set to participate in the 2026 World Cup, down from an earlier expectation that included him among the contingent.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has not yet issued an official statement detailing the terms of Renard’s departure or confirming his replacement. Negotiations over the settlement are reportedly underway between both parties.
For continued updates on the Saudi national team’s preparations and coaching developments ahead of the 2026 World Cup, follow official channels and trusted sports news sources.
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