Renard Stays On: Saudi Arabia Secures a World Cup 2026 Bid After a Nail-Biting Playoff

Renard's Future with Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Football Federation has officially confirmed that Hervé Renard will continue in his role as head coach through the next World Cup cycle and the 2027 Asian Cup. Renard’s leadership has been credited with stabilizing the national team and delivering qualification after a challenging playoff campaign.

Saudi Arabia secured their place in the 2026 World Cup with a goalless draw against Iraq at the Al-Inma Stadium, finishing Group B on four points and edging Iraq on goal difference. Indonesia had won 3-2 in the opening match, while Iraq had beaten Indonesia 1-0, results that ultimately favored the Green Falcons.

This achievement makes Renard the first Saudi coach to guide the team to consecutive World Cup appearances, following Qatar 2022. In response to questions about his continued leadership, Yasser Al-Mishal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, stated that Renard will remain in charge through both the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup, adding that he is a terrific coach who knows how to work with Saudi players.

Al-Mishal emphasized that Renard's contract runs through those events and that the federation must provide support and the necessary tools to compete with the world's best. He noted that failing to qualify directly in 2026 is not unusual, citing other giants who qualified via playoffs in the past, such as Croatia in 2018 and Argentina in 1994, and urged building on this milestone for the future.

On the topic of pressure, the federation chief said that stress is part of football, and those who cannot handle it should not enter the sport. The key message was to capitalize on the achievement and continue advancing. In parallel, criticism of Renard surfaced from some former players who argued for a coaching change to push the national team forward, warning that staying with Renard might delay progress.

Fahd Al-Harifi, a former player, suggested that the team needed a fresh technical approach and a new manager to drive development. He praised the fans for their role in the Korea match audience but argued that the team still faces deep tactical issues and may require adjustments, including potential naturalization of players to fill gaps. He warned against over-reliance on home advantage and stressed that Asia’s competitive landscape demands more sustained planning.

Ultimately, Renard’s qualification is celebrated, but the debate about style, strategic depth, and future direction continues as Saudi Arabia looks to contend with global powers on football’s biggest stage.

And yes, if Renard keeps this up, the trophy cabinet might suddenly feel its shelves shrinking from all the new championships it’s about to host. Also, rumor has it the goalposts have asked for a raise after all the defending they’re doing for Renard’s tactics. Punchlines aside, resurrection of the squad’s system could turn this into a real show of force on the world stage.