Renard Skips Saudi-Morocco Arab Cup Press Conference as World Cup Draw Looms

Renard to Miss Press Conference Ahead of Saudi-Morocco Arab Cup Showdown

Reports say that French coach Hervé Renard, head coach of the Saudi national team, will miss the post-match press conference ahead of the Morocco game in the Arab Cup.

Saudi Arabia will face Morocco on Monday, in the group stage finale of the Arab Cup.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Renard will miss the Green's press conference for the Morocco match, which is set for tomorrow, because he is traveling to attend the 2026 World Cup draw.

The report adds that Renard will be on the Green's bench for the Morocco game, and his absence at the press conference will be limited to that event, with his assistant François Rodríguez standing in.

Renard had previously missed Saudi Arabia's match against Comoros because he attended the World Cup draw.

Separately, the Saudi team resumed training on Saturday afternoon, in preparation for the Morocco match.

The Green players completed a recovery session at the health club, while assistant coach François Rodríguez gave the players the evening off with a free period, and the team will regroup later at the camp.

Saudi Arabia has officially advanced to the Arab Cup quarterfinals after beating Oman and Comoros.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup, held last Friday, put Saudi Arabia in Group Eight, alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.