Saudi Arabia's national football team suffered a 2-1 defeat in a friendly match against Serbia in Belgrade on Monday, March 31, 2026. The loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Hervé Renard with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over two months away.
Goals from Sergej Milinković-Savić and Luka Jović secured the win for Serbia. Saudi Arabia's sole goal was scored by Saleh Al-Shehri. The match was part of the team's final preparations before the global tournament, which Saudi Arabia will co-host.
Following the defeat, multiple Saudi sports media outlets, including Arriyadiyah, reported significant pressure on Renard and suggested his position could be reviewed. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has not issued an official statement regarding the coach's future as of April 1, 2026.
Saudi Arabia is placed in Group A of the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to play its opening match against Uruguay on June 15, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The team's performance in recent friendlies, including this loss, is being closely analyzed ahead of the tournament.
