Saudi Arabia has dismissed Hervé Renard as head coach, just weeks before the 2026 World Cup. The 57-year-old Frenchman confirmed his sacking to AFP after RMC Sport first reported the news. Renard's departure creates significant uncertainty for the Green Falcons as they prepare for their tournament opener against Uruguay on June 15.

Renard returned to Saudi Arabia in 2024 for his second stint at the helm. He previously guided the nation to the 2022 World Cup finals, where they made headlines by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1. The French coach then left to take charge of the French women's national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics before returning to Saudi Arabia.

The timing raises questions about Saudi Arabia's preparation for Group H, which also includes Spain and Cape Verde. The dismissal comes three days after ESPN reported that Matt Crocker was leaving his role as U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director to join the Saudi Arabia soccer federation. The coaching change leaves little time for Saudi Arabia to regroup before their World Cup campaign begins.