AFCON-Winning Coach Sacked Despite World Cup Qualification

AFCON-Winning Coach Sacked Despite World Cup Qualification 

Sampson Adedeji

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced the dismissal of Hervé Renard as head coach of the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision was confirmed on Friday evening, bringing an end to the Frenchman’s tenure despite successfully guiding the team to qualification for the global tournament.

Saudi Arabia’s performances under Renard have been inconsistent in recent months, with the team struggling to maintain a steady run of form, raising concerns within the federation as preparations intensify for the World Cup.

Renard, widely respected for his achievements on the African continent, is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner. 

He famously led Zambia national football team to a historic triumph in 2012 before repeating the feat with Ivory Coast national football team in 2015.

His departure now leaves Saudi Arabia searching for a new head coach with limited time to prepare the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.