The only coach to guide Saudi Arabia past a World Cup group stage has been dismissed despite qualifying them for 2026
Saudi Arabia have sacked Hervé Renard just two months before the World Cup begins, the French coach confirmed to AFP on Friday. The dismissal comes despite Renard being the only manager in Saudi history to guide the team past the group stage at a World Cup.
The timing could hardly be worse. Saudi Arabia face Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H when the tournament kicks off on 11 June, leaving minimal time for a new coach to prepare the squad for their toughest World Cup draw in years.
Renard's sacking represents a stunning act of self-sabotage by the Saudi Football Federation. The 57-year-old French coach had successfully qualified Saudi Arabia for their seventh World Cup appearance and third consecutive tournament.
It's football. Saudi Arabia qualified seven times for the World Championship, twice with me. And only one coach passed the group stage, it was me, in 2022. At least I'll have that pride.
Renard's philosophical response to AFP masks the absurdity of the decision. His record speaks for itself: 13 wins, 5 draws and 11 defeats in 29 matches during his second stint, including the crucial World Cup qualification.
The federation apparently panicked after two friendly defeats during the recent international window. Saudi Arabia lost 4-0 to Egypt and 2-1 to Serbia, results that seemingly sealed Renard's fate despite the matches being meaningless preparation games.
This knee-jerk reaction to friendly results ignores the bigger picture. Renard had just secured third place at the 2025 Asian Cup and maintained Saudi Arabia's upward trajectory in international football.
Hervé Renard occupies a unique place in Saudi football history. During his first stint from 2019 to 2023, he achieved what no other coach has managed before or since.
At Qatar 2022, Renard masterminded Saudi Arabia's greatest World Cup moment: a 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina. More importantly, he guided the team out of the group stage for the first time in their history.
This achievement cannot be overstated. In six previous World Cup appearances, Saudi Arabia had never progressed beyond the group stage. Renard changed that narrative completely.
Renard's credentials extend far beyond Saudi Arabia:
His return in October 2024 came after Roberto Mancini's disappointing 18-month tenure ended following a 2-0 home defeat to Japan. The federation specifically brought Renard back for his World Cup expertise.
The dismissal of Renard exposes a toxic pattern within Saudi football administration. The federation's impatience and unrealistic expectations have created a revolving door of coaches that undermines any chance of sustained progress.
Roberto Mancini arrived as European champion with Italy but lasted just 18 months. His record of seven wins, five draws and six defeats was deemed insufficient, despite being contracted until 2027.
The Italian's departure cost the federation millions in compensation and disrupted preparations for World Cup qualification. Now they've repeated the same mistake with Renard.
Saudi Arabia's coaching carousel includes Portuguese managers Nelo Vingada (1996-1997) and José Peseiro (2009-2011), neither of whom achieved Renard's success. Yet the federation continues to believe that changing coaches is the solution to every setback.
This instability sends a damaging message to players and potential future coaches. Why commit to Saudi Arabia's project when the federation abandons managers at the first sign of trouble?
The timing of Renard's dismissal could not be more catastrophic for Saudi Arabia's World Cup prospects. With the tournament beginning on 11 June, any new coach will have minimal time to implement their ideas.
Saudi Arabia face a daunting group stage draw:
This group required careful preparation and tactical sophistication. Instead, Saudi Arabia will enter with a new coach still learning his players' names.
For those following World Cup odds, Saudi Arabia's prospects have taken a significant hit. The instability created by this decision will likely see their odds drift considerably in the coming weeks.
Renard's tactical knowledge and World Cup experience offered Saudi Arabia a fighting chance in Group H. Without him, progression to the knockout stage looks increasingly unlikely.
Saudi Arabia must now scramble to find a replacement coach willing to take on an impossible job. The new manager will inherit a squad in turmoil, with players confused by the sudden change in leadership so close to football's biggest tournament.
The federation's decision reflects poorly on their 2034 World Cup hosting ambitions. If they cannot manage their own national team professionally, questions will be asked about their capability to organise a World Cup.
For Renard, this dismissal ends his Saudi chapter on a bitter note. But as he told AFP, he leaves with his head high, knowing he achieved what no other coach could. Saudi Arabia may soon realise they've discarded their best chance of World Cup success.
Why did Saudi Arabia sack Hervé Renard?
Saudi Arabia dismissed Renard following two friendly defeats against Egypt (4-0) and Serbia (2-1) in the recent international window. The federation apparently lost confidence despite Renard qualifying the team for the World Cup and finishing third at the 2025 Asian Cup.
When does Saudi Arabia play at the 2026 World Cup?
Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H starting from 11 June 2026. They face Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in the group stage, with specific match dates to be confirmed closer to the tournament.
Who will replace Hervé Renard as Saudi Arabia coach?
No replacement has been announced yet. Saudi Arabia must quickly appoint a new coach with just two months remaining before the World Cup begins, leaving minimal preparation time for the tournament.
What was Hervé Renard's record with Saudi Arabia?
In his second stint from October 2024, Renard managed 29 matches with 13 wins, 5 draws and 11 defeats. He qualified Saudi Arabia for their seventh World Cup and remains the only coach to guide them past the group stage (2022).
Will Saudi Arabia qualify from their World Cup group?
Saudi Arabia face an extremely difficult Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde. The coaching change two months before the tournament significantly damages their chances, with progression now looking unlikely given the instability and lack of preparation time.
What happened with Roberto Mancini at Saudi Arabia?
Mancini lasted just 18 months as Saudi Arabia coach before being sacked in October 2024. Despite arriving as European champion with Italy, his record of 7 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats was deemed insufficient, leading to Renard's return.
How many times have Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup?
Saudi Arabia have qualified for seven World Cups, with 2026 being their third consecutive appearance. Hervé Renard qualified them twice (2022 and 2026) and remains the only coach to guide them beyond the group stage.
What was Saudi Arabia's best World Cup moment?
Saudi Arabia's greatest World Cup achievement came in 2022 under Hervé Renard when they defeated eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in the group stage. Renard then guided them to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Saudi Arabia dismissed Hervé Renard following two friendly defeats - 4-0 to Egypt and 2-1 to Serbia. The timing is controversial as it comes just two months before the 2026 World Cup begins.
Renard is the only coach in Saudi Arabia's history to guide them past the World Cup group stage, achieving this breakthrough at Qatar 2022. He also secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia are drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11th.
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During his second stint, Renard achieved 13 wins, 5 draws and 11 defeats in 29 matches. He also led Saudi Arabia to third place at the 2025 Asian Cup.
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