Saudi Arabia names replacement manager ahead of World Cup following Renard's dismissal

Saudi Arabia's football federation has unveiled Georgios Donis as the team's new head coach, with the Greek national set to lead the squad into the 2026 World Cup, according to an announcement made on Thursday.

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Donis' appointment comes on the heels of Herve Renard's dismissal in early April, a move that has given the new coach limited time to prepare the team for their World Cup opener against Uruguay on June 15.

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The Saudi Arabian football federation took to social media to reveal that Donis' contract will remain in effect until July 2027, marking a significant commitment to the newly appointed coach.

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With a wealth of coaching experience in his native Greece, including stints with AEK Athens and Panathinaikos, Donis is well-equipped to handle the demands of his new role, having also previously coached in Saudi Arabia.

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Most recently, Donis was at the helm of Saudi Pro League club Al Khaleej, a position he assumed in 2024, and he now follows in the footsteps of his predecessor Herve Renard.

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Renard played a crucial role in guiding Saudi Arabia to their seventh World Cup finals tournament, a feat that Donis will be keen to build upon as he prepares the team for the challenges ahead.

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Saudi Arabia is set to face a formidable lineup in Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, with the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19.