Hervé Renard to Lead Saudi Arabia at 2026 World Cup Amid Coaching Uncertainty

Hervé Renard will remain in charge of Saudi Arabia national football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting an end to recent speculation about his future.

Despite reports during the international break suggesting he could be dismissed, the French manager is now set to lead Saudi Arabia into the tournament—his second World Cup with the nation and third overall, having previously coached Morocco national football team in 2018.

Reports of Exit Proven False

Leading into the World Cup, uncertainty surrounded Renard’s position.

Saudi media had reported a potential dismissal following a difficult stretch of results, including a 1-2 friendly loss to Serbia.

Renard himself was reportedly evaluating his future.

But after discussions with federation leadership, a decision has been made:

He will stay.

His strong relationship with Saudi Arabia’s football federation president is believed to have played a major role in the outcome.

A Tough Group Awaits

Renard now turns his attention to a challenging World Cup group.

Saudi Arabia has been drawn into Group H, where they will face:

Uruguay national football team
Spain national football team
Cape Verde national football team

It’s a group that will test both the tactical discipline and mental strength of the squad.

Contract Running Through the Tournament

Renard’s current contract is set to expire after the World Cup, meaning this tournament could define his future with the national team.

There is still uncertainty beyond 2026—but for now, the focus is clear.

Coaching Drama Behind the Scenes

Even with Renard staying, the situation has been far from stable.

Multiple names were linked to a potential replacement, including Walid Regragui, the highly regarded former Morocco manager.

However, that move is now off the table.

Why Regragui Didn’t Happen:

Preference for long-term stability over short-term projects
Concerns about pressure and expectations
Desire for more control over his technical vision
Backlash from fans over past comments

Other candidates—including Pedro Emanuel, Giorgos Donis, and Pericles Chamusca—were also considered, highlighting the level of uncertainty surrounding the role.

Final Take

Saudi Arabia now heads into the World Cup with continuity—but questions remain.

Renard brings experience and familiarity, but recent results have raised concerns about consistency and direction.

With a tough group ahead and his contract expiring after the tournament, the stakes are clear:

👉 Perform now—or face a new era after 2026.