The Saudi national team has appointed Greek coach Giorgos Donis as the successor to Hervé Renard to lead the Green Falcons during their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The French coach had announced his departure from the Saudi national team a week prior, but the official announcement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation was significantly delayed until Thursday.
Donis Appointed as Saudi Arabia’s Coach
In an official statement, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced that Donis will leave his position as coach of Al-Khaleej FC to take over the national team on a one-year contract.
Thus, the 56-year-old coach’s role will not be limited to leading the Saudi national team during the World Cup, but will also extend to the 2027 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia between January and February of next year.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is scheduled to hold a press conference in Riyadh next May with the new coaching staff, before the national team departs for the United States to begin their World Cup campaign.
The 2026 World Cup draw placed Saudi Arabia in a tough group alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Uruguay. The draw for the 2027 Asian Cup will take place in mid-May, determining the path for the Saudi team as they aim for their first title in over three decades.
Donis’s Coaching Career Before the Saudi National Team
This is Donis’s first experience coaching a national team, but his familiarity with the intricacies of Saudi football makes him the ideal choice for this role.
The 56-year-old first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2015, leading Al-Hilal to the Saudi League title, the King’s Cup, and the Crown Prince Cup before leaving the Blue Wave in 2016.
Donis returned to Saudi League management in 2021 with Al-Wehda, then took over Al-Fateh in 2022. He returned for a second stint with Al-Wehda in 2023 before settling with Al-Khaleej in 2024, where he remains to this day.
In terms of titles, Donis has won the Cypriot League and the Cypriot Cup once each, the King’s Cup and the Crown Prince Cup once each, and the Saudi Super Cup once. He has also coached several prominent teams, including AEK Athens and PAOK Thessaloniki.
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Gustavo Poyet succeeds Donis as Al-Khaleej coach
Al-Khaleej appointed Uruguayan coach Gustavo Poyet as their new manager, replacing Donis.
Poyet is preparing for his first experience in Saudi Arabia, and his second in Asia, after coaching South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors last season.
Poyet has had diverse coaching experiences, most notably with the Greek national team and English club Sunderland.
