Renard's Absence Reshapes Saudi-Arabia's Arab Cup Clash with Comoros
2 December 2025
Renard’s Absence: Saudi Arabia vs Comoros
French coach Hervé Renard will not sit on the Saudi bench for the Arab Cup clash against Comoros.
Saudi Arabia will face Comoros on Friday, in the second group stage round of the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.
Saudi TV reports say Renard will be absent during the match, due to his travel with Yasser Al-Mishal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, to Washington for the 2026 World Cup draw.
Reports indicate the French manager’s assistant will lead the Saudi side in the crucial match against Comoros, in Renard's absence.
The Green Falcons could seal a spot in the Arab Cup 2025 quarter-finals, needing victory while hoping Morocco do not lose to Oman in the same round, which would complicate the group.
Saudi Arabia won their opener against Oman 2-1, while Morocco defeated Comoros 3-1 in the same group, early on.
Saudi Arabia remains third in the rankings ahead of the World Cup 2026 draw, set for Friday in Washington, USA.
Punchline 1: If Renard’s passport had a frequent-flyer program, it would be nonstop detours to Washington for the podium and a pin on the map.
Punchline 2: The ball may be in the air, but the real suspense is whether Renard’s notebook travels faster than his team does on the field.
