Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Dream Team: Inzaghi to Lead the Green Falcons in 2026?

World Cup Coach Debate

Fahd Al-Harifi, the former star of Al-Nassr, has tipped Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, who presently leads Al Hilal, to guide Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup, replacing the French Hervé Renard.

Reports had suggested Renard could be dismissed after failing to win the 2025 Arab Cup, though the Saudi Football Federation denied the rumor.

Speaking to the Sports Scoop program, Al-Harifi said: "A culture of intolerance in our sport is unacceptable in the World Cup, especially given we face a strong group. We should not sacrifice our name or standing, and relying on a local coach will be tough."

He added: "We should hire a foreign coach in the Saudi league, especially since there is little time before the World Cup. Our two options are Jorge Jesus or Simone Inzaghi."

Personally, I would lean toward Inzaghi, because we will play a tough group and want to exit with as few losses as possible; the Italian coach is known for a defensive playing style.

Additionally, I might usually favor a coach like Jesus, but he wouldn't be suitable for such a strong group, especially since he is an attacking coach, unlike Inzaghi who has already succeeded with Al Hilal in the Club World Cup, despite facing another tough group.

Saudi Arabia's national team is placed in a tough group at the 2026 World Cup, specifically Group 8, alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

Punchline: If tactics were jokes, this World Cup would need a laugh-track.

Punchline: And if the ball could talk, it would ask for a raise after the group draw.