Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Uncertain Future with Renard
The mood inside the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has shifted sharply in recent days. The March international break was supposed to fine-tune preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Instead, it has triggered emergency meetings and a full-scale review of Hervé Renard’s tenure.
Two games were enough to light the fuse.
A 4-0 collapse against Egypt, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Serbia, has left the Frenchman under heavy fire. The scorelines were brutal, but it was the manner of the performances that deepened the unease around a team heading towards a World Cup loaded with expectation and scrutiny.
Federation stands by Renard – for now
Inside the Federation, the response has not been knee-jerk. According to Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, the technical committee is in the middle of a detailed audit of Renard’s record, covering the entire recent phase of his leadership. There is no fixed deadline, but the process is described as entering its decisive days.
Despite the noise outside, the message from the Federation has been consistent: there is no current intention to dismiss Renard before the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Publicly, the line is clear – stability before the tournament, not upheaval.
Behind closed doors, the picture is more nuanced. Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reports that the probability of Renard leaving his post is being put at around 30%. Not insignificant, but not imminent either. The prevailing mood leans towards patience, a wait-and-see stance shaped by the unforgiving calendar and the looming World Cup.
The Green Falcons do not have the luxury of time. They are locked into a demanding Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde. Only the top two progress automatically, with the eight best third-placed teams from 12 groups also advancing. Every decision now is framed by that reality.
Ghana call rejected
As Saudi officials weigh their options, Renard’s name continues to carry weight beyond the Kingdom.
French outlet L’Équipe revealed that the 55-year-old had received an offer to take charge of the Ghana national team and was keen on the proposal. It would have been a familiar kind of challenge for a coach whose reputation was built on the African stage.
Yet, according to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, that door has closed for now. Ghanaian officials contacted Renard’s agent to explore a deal, but the answer was a refusal. The Frenchman chose to stay in his current role with Saudi Arabia, committing himself, at least in the short term, to steering the Green Falcons into the World Cup.
So the situation stands on a knife-edge. A coach under pressure but still backed. A Federation reluctant to rip up the plan this close to a global tournament. A World Cup group that offers no margin for error.
If this is the storm before the World Cup, Renard and Saudi Arabia must decide quickly whether they ride it out together – or let it tear the project apart.
