Hervé Renard has personally announced his departure from the Saudi Arabian national team. The French coach confirmed to the AFP news agency that the Football Federation dismissed him from his position as national team manager approximately two months before the start of the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
This marks the end of the 57-year-old’s second tenure with the three-time Asian Cup winners, which lasted 18 months. «That’s football. Saudi Arabia has qualified for the World Cup seven times, twice with me,» Renard stated. «And there’s only one coach who managed to achieve both qualification and a World Cup appearance, and that’s me, in 2022. At least that pride remains with me.»
Renard Led Saudi Arabia to the World Cup Twice
Renard initially took charge of the Saudis in 2019, guiding them to the 2022 finals in Qatar. Despite their sixth World Cup appearance, the team exited at the group stage as the last-placed team. Renard was relieved of his duties just a few weeks later. In October 2024, he returned to his former role, succeeding Roberto Mancini.
According to AFP information, former Greek international Georgios Donis is expected to lead the team at the major event in North America, which will be held with 48 nations for the first time. In Group H, the hosts of the 2034 finals will face Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde.