The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially confirmed that Hervé Renard will continue as head coach of the Saudi national team. His contract has been extended to cover the team's campaign through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speculation about Renard's future had been circulating for weeks following the team's performance in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. However, SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal stated the federation has full confidence in Renard's project and leadership to build a competitive squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Despite the confirmation, reports from Saudi and Moroccan media suggest that Walid Regragui, the Moroccan national team coach, is being considered as a potential long-term successor. Regragui led Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The immediate focus for Renard and the Saudi team is qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The expanded 48-team tournament offers new pathways, and Saudi Arabia will begin its qualification campaign in the coming months.
