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Saudi Arabia Sacks Coach Renard Two Months Before World Cup

From Ghanaian Times · (3d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Saudi Arabia has fired head coach Hervé Renard less than two months before the World Cup.
  • Renard, who led the team to a historic win against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, was in his second stint with the Green Falcons.
  • The decision comes shortly after reports of Matt Crocker leaving his U.S. Soccer Federation role to join the Saudi Arabia soccer federation.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's decision to part ways with Hervé Renard, just two months before the 2026 World Cup, has sent ripples through the footballing world. Renard, a celebrated figure who guided the Green Falcons to a memorable victory over eventual champions Argentina in the 2022 tournament, was on his second tour of duty with the national team. His departure, confirmed by the coach himself to AFP, marks a significant shift in the team's trajectory so soon before a major competition.

Renard Herve - sacked

Headline indicating the coach's dismissal.

This move, reported by RMC Sport, comes at a critical juncture. The World Cup draw has placed Saudi Arabia in Group H alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Uruguay, with their opening match against Uruguay scheduled for June 15. The timing of the coaching change raises questions about stability and preparation, especially given Renard's past successes with the team.

The 57-year-old Renard returned in 2024 for a second stint at the helm of the Green Falcons, having previously led the country to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

Provides background on Renard's tenure with the Saudi Arabian team.

Adding to the recent shake-up in the federation's leadership, the news follows ESPN's report that Matt Crocker is leaving his position as U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director to take up a similar role with Saudi Arabia. This influx of new talent and strategic appointments suggests a broader restructuring aimed at bolstering the national team's performance on the international stage. The federation appears to be making bold moves to ensure the best possible outcome for the upcoming World Cup.

In Qatar, Renard was in charge as Saudi Arabia defeated eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in a historic group-stage stunner.

Highlights a significant achievement during Renard's previous coaching period.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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