The Saudi Football Federation has appointed French coach Hervé Renard to lead the Saudi national team for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, following the departure of Italian coach Roberto Mancini. Renard previously led the team during the last World Cup qualifiers, achieving a historic victory against Argentina. The Saudi team is currently in a critical phase in their group, tied with Australia and Bahrain with 5 points. Renard expressed his connection with Saudi Arabia and his intention to continue his story with the team.
Renard departed from his previous role in March 2023 after serving as the national team coach for over 3 years. During his tenure, he managed 41 matches, securing 20 victories and leading the team to rise from 68th to 49th in the FIFA rankings. Renard also set a record for the longest unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers in Saudi history during the 2022 qualifiers, with the team winning 12 matches and drawing 3. He is known as the foreign coach with the most historical wins for the Saudi national team.
The Saudi national team is set to face Australia and Indonesia in away matches next month. The Asian qualification system dictates that the top two teams in each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-place teams will advance to the fourth qualifying stage. Renard’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Saudi team as they aim to secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. His previous success and experience with the team make him a suitable choice to lead them in the upcoming qualifiers.
Renard expressed his excitement to return to the Saudi national team and continue his journey with them. He emphasized his strong connection with Saudi Arabia, the fans, and the players, stating that he couldn’t forget the memories from his previous tenure. His return has been welcomed by fans and players alike, who are hopeful that he can lead the team to success in the remaining World Cup qualifiers. Renard’s track record and achievements with the team make him a popular choice for the role of head coach once again.
The appointment of Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Saudi national team signifies a fresh start for the team as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Renard’s previous success with the team, including a historic victory against Argentina and an unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers, highlights his capabilities as a coach. With upcoming matches against Australia and Indonesia, Renard will have the opportunity to lead the team to victory and strengthen their position in the group standings. Fans and players are optimistic about the team’s chances under Renard’s leadership and are looking forward to seeing the results of his appointment in the upcoming qualifiers.
In conclusion, the appointment of Hervé Renard as the head coach of the Saudi national team has been met with enthusiasm and optimism from fans and players. Renard’s previous success with the team and his commitment to Saudi Arabia make him a suitable candidate to lead the team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. As the team prepares to face Australia and Indonesia in crucial matches, Renard’s experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team to success. With his track record of achievements and historic victories, Renard has the potential to lead the Saudi national team to direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
