In an atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement, Frenchman Hervé Renard, the head coach of the Saudi national football team, revealed his great ambitions and personal wishes ahead of the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. These statements come at a sensitive time as the Saudi sports community looks forward to repeating global achievements and strengthening the position of the "Green Falcons" on the international stage.
Restoring the historic spirit of Lusail
In statements made to Al-Ekhbariya channel from the heart of the action in Washington, Renard recalled the epic football match between the Saudi national team and their Argentinian counterparts at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Renard said, "We were fortunate to win the Saudi Arabia-Argentina match, and we hope to repeat that. Everyone remembers what I told the players at halftime during the Qatar World Cup." Renard was referring to his famous halftime speech, which has become an icon in the coaching world, as he successfully turned a deficit into a historic 2-1 victory against the eventual champions, a win that broke Argentina's unbeaten streak and astonished the world.
Ambitions that go beyond honorary participation
The French coach didn't dwell on the past; he set his sights firmly on the future, emphasizing that the goal for the next World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, goes beyond a mere respectable showing. He added, "Our aim is to achieve something even better than the 2022 edition." This statement aligns with the significant development of Saudi football and the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, which will give Asian teams greater opportunities to advance further in the knockout stages.
High-level international presence
Hervé Renard is currently in the United States to attend the draw ceremony, at the invitation and direct request of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This presence reflects the high regard in which the French coach and Saudi Arabian football are held internationally, with the Saudi national team considered a cornerstone of Asian football.
Absence from the Arab Cup: Priorities of the current phase
In a related development, these international commitments have forced Renard to miss the upcoming match against Comoros in the second round of the group stage of the 2025 Arab Cup, currently being held in Qatar. This absence was pre-arranged, with his assistant coaching staff taking over the technical duties for the tournament, allowing Renard to focus on developing the strategic plan for the World Cup qualification campaign, which is the top priority for both the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi fans.
