Saudi federation seeks replacement for Hervé Renard two months before World Cup 2026

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has launched an emergency plan to prepare for the possible sudden departure of Hervé Renard as head coach of the national team. With just about 60 days to go until the 2026 World Cup, the country's leadership has decided to play it safe by compiling dossiers on five potential candidates.

Details: According to Central do Arabão, the shortlist includes three specialists currently working in the Saudi league and two foreign coaches with no prior experience in the Kingdom.

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This is a preventive strategy to avoid chaos in the event of the Frenchman's contract termination.

Despite active rumors in the media, the federation emphasizes that so far there have been no official meetings with new candidates. The list is simply being periodically updated to reflect available options. The technical commission, led by Renard, is still under review, and a final verdict on the coach's future could be reached within the next 10 days.

Reminder: The Italian national team could go to the World Cup due to sanctions against Iran.