Overcoming the Penalty Glitch: Renard Leads Saudi Arabia Toward Palestine and a 2026 World Cup Run

Match Context and Renard’s Message

The French coach Hervé Renard, head coach of the Saudi national team, says he has overcome the penalty crisis that his player Abdullah Al-Hamdan wasted in the last match, expressing strong confidence in all his players.

Al-Hamdan’s moment came in a clash with Morocco that ended in a 0-1 defeat for the Green, after which the coach publicly addressed the incident and the player apologized with a head-kiss, witnessed by the media.

Renard’s Outlook Ahead of Palestine

Regarding this matter, Renard spoke before facing Palestine, scheduled for tomorrow in the Arab Cup quarterfinals, saying, “We have moved past this; we face crises from time to time, and we must learn from them.”

The French coach added: “All players are at a high level and have enough experience, but I will strive to finish the match in regulation time; I do not prefer going to extra time or penalties, but we are ready for anything.”

World Cup 2026 Prep and Squad Outlook

On preparing for World Cup 2026, Renard stated: “Playing in the Arab Cup is wonderful for us at the moment; we are preparing for the Mundial through it, and our goal is to reach the best possible readiness.”

He continued: “Playing for the national team is an honor for any player; when Morad Hosawi appeared for the first time in the previous match, I think he delivered a good level, felt pride, and proved he is a good player, with the Green Door open to everyone.”

He added: “There are several standout names in the Saudi league, but when it comes to the national team, things become tough; there are a few months before the World Cup, and everyone must give their all to join the squad.”

He also affirmed that “the Saudi league has evolved a lot,” noting that local player participation has decreased, but balance is continually pursued to reach the best levels. Renard concluded: “Palestine is a strong team and showed a wonderful performance in the group stage, thanks to their determination and their coach’s ability to bring out the best; we will try to win and give all we have, as knockout rounds have no simple arithmetic.”

Punchline 1: Renard’s plan is so calm it could double as a spa treatment for nerves—relax, regroup, and restart the engine.

Punchline 2: If they win on penalties, the victory speech will need a bigger trophy shelf; if they lose, blame the calendar—it clearly didn’t RSVP to the game.