The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has dismissed head coach Hervé Renard in a surprise decision just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement, confirmed on Friday, April 17, brings an immediate end to Renard’s second spell in charge of Saudi Arabia national football team, leaving the side without a head coach at a critical stage of preparations.
The decision follows increasing scrutiny around the team’s recent performances, with concerns reportedly raised over tactical direction, squad consistency, and overall form during the build-up to the global tournament.
Renard, widely respected for his success in African football including Africa Cup of Nations triumphs with Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire had initially been expected to lead Saudi Arabia into the World Cup. However, growing internal dissatisfaction appears to have accelerated the federation’s decision to part ways.
His exit also comes amid mounting speculation linking him with a potential move to Ghana national football team, adding another layer of intrigue to the timing of the dismissal.
Saudi football authorities are understood to have acted as part of a broader review of the team’s readiness, opting for a decisive change despite the limited time remaining before the tournament.
The move leaves the federation under pressure to appoint a replacement capable of quickly stabilising the squad and maintaining competitive momentum. No interim or permanent successor has yet been announced, with both internal and external options reportedly under consideration.
For Renard, the dismissal adds another dramatic twist to a career defined by major international successes and high-profile national team roles.
For Saudi Arabia, however, the focus now shifts to navigating a period of uncertainty at one of the most crucial moments in their World Cup cycle, with the race on to restore stability ahead of football’s biggest stage.
