French coach Hervé Renard
has confirmed he has been dismissed as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national
team, just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 57-year-old made the
announcement on Friday in an interview with AFP, bringing an abrupt end to his
second stint with the side, which began in late 2024.
Renard previously led
Saudi Arabia at the last World Cup in Qatar, where his team stunned eventual
champions Argentina with a famous group-stage victory—one of the biggest upsets
in tournament history. His departure now raises fresh concerns over the team's
preparations ahead of the global competition.
"That's football…
Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with
me," Renard told AFP via telephone.
"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."
A two-time Africa Cup of
Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, Renard first took charge of Saudi
Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being replaced by Roberto Mancini. He later
coached the France women's team, leading them to the quarter-finals of both the
2023 Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
Renard was brought back
to succeed Mancini after the Italian left his role following an underwhelming
14-month spell.
Former Greece
international Georgios Donis is reportedly being lined up as Renard's
replacement. A source close to the negotiations told AFP that talks are
underway between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Al Khaleej, the
Saudi club Donis has managed since 2024.
Saudi Arabia will face
Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde in Group H at this year's World Cup.