The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has parted ways with head coach Hervé Renard. The decision comes less than two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Renard, a French manager, was appointed in 2023 and led the team through the Asian qualifiers. His departure follows a reported breakdown in relations with the federation. The SAFF has not yet announced a permanent replacement for the crucial tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams. Saudi Arabia, which famously defeated Argentina in the 2022 tournament, faces a challenging group stage. The sudden coaching change so close to the event introduces significant uncertainty for the team's preparations.
