Khaberni - Saudi Arabian Football Federation officials informed French coach Hervé Renard, coach of the Saudi national team, of his dismissal, less than two months before the start of the World Cup 2026.
Doubts were raised about Renard's continuation with the Saudi national team in the World Cup, which will be held next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following lackluster performances in friendly matches against Egypt and Serbia during the last international break in March.
The reliable French network RMC Sport, as well as the Saudi "Al-Ekhbariya", reported Renard's dismissal and indicated that the coach would not be part of the technical staff for the Green in the World Cup.
The networks detailed that Saudi Federation officials had notified Renard of the decision today, Friday, despite rumors circulating for weeks.
For his part, Renard told the French news agency that he was dismissed from his position, adding, "This is football; Saudi Arabia has qualified seven times for the World Cup, including twice with me.. I am the only coach who went through the qualifiers and the World Cup in 2022. At least this pride will remain."
According to the latest journalistic reports from Saudi Arabia, the Greek coach Giorgos Donis, currently managing Al-Khaleej, is the upcoming coach for the Green, as he will take over the team in the World Cup.
Pedro Emanuel, coach of Al-Fayha, is among the candidates, while his agent Sergio Liti confirmed in statements to Kooora that "coaching the Saudi national team is a possible option" for the Portuguese coach.
The Saudi national team competes in Group Eight at the World Cup, alongside the teams of Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.
