When the Draw Picks Its Own Team: Dai Calls Out Renard Over Four Names
26 March 2026
Context
Saudi Arabia’s head coach Hervé Renard is facing strong scrutiny over the March squad selections for the upcoming international window, which features two friendlies against Egypt and Serbia. An article by Ahmed Mansi outlines Renard’s naming of 25 players for the first team and 25 for the reserves, with matches set for March 27 and 31.
Mohammed Al-Owais, a veteran goalkeeper, is at the center of a debate sparked by the selection, while discussions circle around left-back options and the balance between experience and form as the national team gears up for the March fixtures.
Legendary former goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Daei commented on Renard’s choices, noting surprise at the omission of Ali Al-Bulaihi despite strong recent form and questioning whether a club move influenced the decision. He argued the team still needs a reliable left-back with steady, proven performance.
Al-Daei also voiced concern about excluding Mohand Al-Shenqi from the squads, suggesting that other right-back options and reserve selections should be explored. Renard reportedly named Saud Abdulhamed and Ali Majrshi as right-backs for the first team, with Mohammad Abu Al-Shamat, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, and Mohammad Mahzari included in the reserves, while Al-Shenqi was left out of both lists.
On the goalkeeping side, Al-Daei praised Mohammed Al-Owais (Al-Ta’if), arguing he should be the first-choice keeper because he remains active and competitive, even if older. He also raised the notion that age alone should not bar a player from a World Cup bid if they contribute and maintain form.
As discussions continue, the team’s depth and selection logic come under the spotlight, with social media and sports programs amplifying the debate about how Renard should best structure the squad ahead of the friendlies.
And because every good lineup needs a bit of humor, here are two light quips: If football were decided by lotteries, Renard would still need a VAR to check the numbers. And if my jokes were a striker, they’d sprint straight through the defense—goalkeeper included, obviously.
