Renard in the Green: Saudi Coach’s Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of World Cup 2026
1 April 2026
Renard's Future Under Scrutiny
The Saudi Football Federation has reiterated its stance, pushing back against talk of Hervé Renard stepping away from his post as head coach of the national team. The clarification arrives as preparations accelerate for the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
French sports daily L'Equipe had claimed Renard was considering leaving, citing a reported bid from Ghana to appoint him to guide the Black Stars at the global finals.
In contrast, the Saudi outlet Al-Riyadia quoted an official source denying the rumors, saying there is nothing to report on this matter.
This marks the second time the federation has publicly denied such reports, after repeating the same before Saudi Arabia's friendly against Serbia in Belgrade, where the Green were edged 2-1.
The French coach has faced criticism after securing World Cup qualification via the Asian playoff, then exiting the Arab Cup in the semifinals, followed by recent friendly defeats to Egypt and Serbia.
Punchline 1: If Renard signs with Ghana, perhaps the fox will finally find a bigger forest to run in. Punchline 2: In football, rumors travel faster than a cross from Belgrade—some headlines deserve to be kept in the press room, not on the field.
