Public anger towards Hervé Renard, the Saudi national team coach, has intensified following the Green Falcons’ crushing 4-0 defeat to Egypt in a friendly match on Friday. With the 2026 World Cup just months away, the pressure on the French tactician has reached a critical point.
Why the Criticism Has Reached Boiling Point
Renard, who returned for a second stint over a year ago, has so far failed to deliver the expected results. Even qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has been extremely difficult, amidst relentless criticism of his player management and tactical approach.
Key players like Salem Al-Dawsari have been unavailable due to injuries, but fans argue that Renard has failed to develop adequate depth in the squad or adapt his system to the players available.
With the heavy defeat against the Pharaohs, calls for his dismissal have grown louder, fueled by fears of a potentially disastrous Saudi campaign at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if things continue as they are.
Renard’s Post-Match Silence Raises Alarm
Renard further fueled the controversy after the loss to Egypt by refusing to speak to the media. Many interpreted this as confirmation that his position is precarious and that any comments would only exacerbate the crisis.
This is not the first time the French coach has come under fire for his communication style. His tendency to deflect blame and avoid direct accountability has frustrated Saudi football media, who expect transparency from a coach earning one of the highest salaries in international football.
What Happens Next: Serbia as the Decisive Test
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to face Serbia on Tuesday in what many consider Renard’s final test. If the Green Falcons fail to deliver another strong performance, Hervé Renard could be immediately dismissed.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed after the Arab Cup in December that the French coach would remain in his post until the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host, and that there was no intention of dismissing him before then, regardless of the circumstances. However, growing public discontent may force the federation’s hand.
Renard’s Record in His Second Stint
In his second stint, Renard oversaw 27 matches for Saudi Arabia, achieving only 11 wins and suffering 10 losses — a win rate of just 41%. Despite qualifying for the World Cup, he subsequently failed to progress beyond the semi-finals of the Arab Cup held in Qatar.
For context, Saudi Arabia’s expectations are particularly high after their famous victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup — a moment that raised the bar for what fans expect from their national team on the biggest stage.
With the World Cup kicking off in June, the clock is ticking. Whether Renard survives the Serbia test or not, Saudi Arabia faces a defining few months that will shape the trajectory of their football program for years to come.
