Saudi Arabia Appoints Georgios Donis as Head Coach Ahead of World Cup After Renard Exit
The Greek manager replaces Hervé Renard less than two months before the 2026 World Cup following a swift coaching change confirmed by the Saudi Football Federation.
Saudi Arabia’s football federation has appointed Greek coach Georgios Donis as the national team’s head coach on a contract running until July 2027, replacing Hervé Renard just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision follows the termination of Renard’s second spell in charge, which ended by mutual agreement after a run of disappointing friendly results and growing internal pressure.
What is confirmed by multiple official and media reports is that the federation moved quickly to settle Renard’s contractual exit before confirming Donis as his successor.
Donis, 56, takes over from his role at Saudi club Al-Khaleej and brings extensive experience in Saudi domestic football, having previously managed several Pro League sides including Al-Hilal, Al-Wehda, and Al-Fateh.
He has also coached prominent Greek clubs such as AEK Athens and PAOK, giving him a blend of regional familiarity and European experience.
The timing of the appointment is significant.
Saudi Arabia are now in the final phase of preparation for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the tournament set to begin in June.
Reports indicate the team will hold a training camp in the United States ahead of the competition, with a press conference in Riyadh planned to introduce the new coaching staff.
Renard’s departure marks the end of his second tenure with the national team.
His earlier spell included Saudi Arabia’s notable win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, a result that remains one of the country’s most high-profile football achievements.
In his most recent stint, however, the team’s performances in friendlies reportedly raised concerns within the federation, contributing to the decision to make a late managerial change.
Saudi Arabia are expected to compete in a group that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, setting up a demanding start for Donis in one of the most high-pressure appointments in international football so close to a major tournament.
What remains unclear is how quickly Donis will be able to implement his tactical approach or whether the short preparation window will affect squad stability and World Cup readiness.
The decision follows the termination of Renard’s second spell in charge, which ended by mutual agreement after a run of disappointing friendly results and growing internal pressure.
What is confirmed by multiple official and media reports is that the federation moved quickly to settle Renard’s contractual exit before confirming Donis as his successor.
Donis, 56, takes over from his role at Saudi club Al-Khaleej and brings extensive experience in Saudi domestic football, having previously managed several Pro League sides including Al-Hilal, Al-Wehda, and Al-Fateh.
He has also coached prominent Greek clubs such as AEK Athens and PAOK, giving him a blend of regional familiarity and European experience.
The timing of the appointment is significant.
Saudi Arabia are now in the final phase of preparation for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the tournament set to begin in June.
Reports indicate the team will hold a training camp in the United States ahead of the competition, with a press conference in Riyadh planned to introduce the new coaching staff.
Renard’s departure marks the end of his second tenure with the national team.
His earlier spell included Saudi Arabia’s notable win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, a result that remains one of the country’s most high-profile football achievements.
In his most recent stint, however, the team’s performances in friendlies reportedly raised concerns within the federation, contributing to the decision to make a late managerial change.
Saudi Arabia are expected to compete in a group that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, setting up a demanding start for Donis in one of the most high-pressure appointments in international football so close to a major tournament.
What remains unclear is how quickly Donis will be able to implement his tactical approach or whether the short preparation window will affect squad stability and World Cup readiness.
