OFFICIAL: Herve Renard sacked before World Cup
by Lukhanyo Mtuta · KickOffTwo-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Hervé Renard has now been sacked from his job just under two months before he was set to appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Frenchman has been dismissed from his role as head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.
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The decision comes after a week of speculation surrounding the 57-year-old’s future, and he now departs with immediate effect.
He told AFP: "That's football... Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me.
"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."
It was Renard’s second stint in charge of Saudi Arabia, with his first spell running from July 2019 to March 2023, while the second began in October 2024.
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It is understood that the Saudi Arabian national team is now in discussions with Greek coach Georgios Donis, who is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al Khaleej.
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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