Saudi Arabia Fires Manager on Eve of Global Soccer Tournament

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Frenchman Herve Renard told AFP on Friday he has been relieved of his duties as Saudi Arabia coach, less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

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Renard, 57, returned for a second spell as Saudi coach at the end of 2024, having led them at the last World Cup in Qatar, including to a famous win over eventual champions Argentina in the group stage.

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“That’s football… Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me,” Renard told AFP via telephone.

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“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.”

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Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, led Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being replaced by Roberto Mancini.

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He served as coach of the French women’s team and reached the quarter-finals of both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympics.

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Renard was later brought back by Saudi Arabia to succeed Mancini, as the Italian left his role after an underwhelming 14-month stint.

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Former Greece international Georgios Donis is reportedly being lined up as the man to take over from Renard.

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A source close to the negotiations told AFP that talks are underway between the federation and Saudi club Al Khaleej, where Donis has been in charge since 2024.

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Saudi Arabia will face Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H at this year’s World Cup.

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AFP

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