Reviving Saudi Arabia's World Cup Dream: Herve Renard to Lead the Charge

Frenchman Renard has returned to his position as head coach for the first time since taking over from his Italian predecessor in October. This comes after an often awkward 14-month relationship between Mancini, the Saudis, and the team.

One win, two draws and a loss in four games in the third phase of the continent’s qualifiers for the 2026 Finals in North America has left the Saudis in third place in Group C, trailing second-placed Australia on goal difference and leaders Japan by five points.

Only the top two finishers in each of Asia’s three preliminary groups qualify automatically for the Finals with the third and fourth-placed sides advancing to another round, and the Saudis are desperate to ensure guaranteed progress.

“I am back,” Renard, clad in Saudi traditional costume, said in a video published on the Saudi national team’s X social media account when he was announced in October.

“I did not finish my story with Saudi yet. And thank God, I am back. My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players and all the memories – I can never forget.”

It was Renard who was in charge when Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in the nations’ opening game at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the win a high point of an initial 3½-year long tenure for the former Zambia coach.

The 56-year-old then left his role to lead France’s women at the 2023 World Cup and on home soil at the Paris Olympics this past summer.

“I did not intend to leave, but when your country knock on your door, you have to respond,” he added.

For his return, he will be without the talismanic Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored the winning goal against Argentina, after the Al-Hilal man pulled out due to injury although veteran midfielder Salman Al-Faraj has been recalled.

The Saudis face a Socceroos side boosted in October when Tony Popovic took over from Graham Arnold to pick up four points from games against China and Japan and Renard will be hoping for a similar return against Australia and Indonesia on Nov 19.

“I believe we can qualify; otherwise I wouldn’t be here,” Renard said.

“I know the players well. We’re not in an ideal situation, but it’s far from hopeless.

“Many of these players were part of the squad that qualified for the 2022 World Cup. They must draw on that experience, keep their spirit high, and do everything necessary to reach the 2026 World Cup.”

The Japanese lead the standings and face the Indonesians on Nov 15 having received a raucous reception upon their arrival in Jakarta on Nov 11. Bahrain host China in the group’s other game.

“I’ve never seen something like this,” defender Yuto Nagatomo said upon arrival, according to Japanese media. “There was a big commotion at the airport, and I felt a bit like a Hollywood star.”

Reigning Asian champions Qatar face a crucial meeting with Uzbekistan in Group A that Tintin Marquez’s side must win to reignite their challenge for an automatic berth.

Qatar are six points behind leaders Iran, who take on North Korea in Laos, and Uzbekistan while third-placed United Arab Emirates, currently level on four points with the Qataris, entertain Kyrgyzstan.

Group B leaders South Korea travel to face Kuwait holding a three-point advantage over Iraq and Jordan, who meet one another in Basra, with Oman hosting Palestine in Muscat.