Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
Saudi Arabia Qualifies for 7th World Cup as Hervé Renard Returns for Second Spell
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15

Saudi Arabia Qualifies for 7th World Cup as Hervé Renard Returns for Second Spell

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15

Summary

  • Saudi Arabia secured a place at the World Cup, giving Hervé Renard a second qualification with the national team after his return in October 2024.
  • Renard had replaced Roberto Mancini, whose stint never convinced, but his own second spell proved underwhelming and the expanded tournament format helped the Green Falcons scrape through.
  • April brought another coaching upheaval when Renard was fired and Georgios Donis took over, selecting his squad without having managed a game.
  • Renard, who led Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 and masterminded the 2022 win over Argentina, said the team have now qualified seven times, including twice under him.

Insights

Can a manager with no international experience lead Saudi Arabia to a surprise run in the World Cup?
Was firing their World Cup qualifying coach two months before the tournament a reckless gamble for Saudi Arabia?