Saudi sports fans are experiencing a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals, following the draw held Friday evening in the United States, which revealed the contours of the challenging Group H. The draw placed the Saudi national team in a true test alongside three teams with contrasting footballing styles and histories: Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.
This edition of the World Cup holds historical and exceptional significance as the first to feature 48 teams, hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This presents Saudi Arabian football with a global challenge to demonstrate its continued development within the framework of the Kingdom's sports vision. Adding to the excitement is the presence of experienced French coach Hervé Renard at the helm of the Saudi national team. Renard boasts an impressive track record and has faced all the teams in the group, giving fans valuable insight into his tactical and technical approach to managing these crucial matches.
Russia 2018 epic: When Renard embarrassed the Spaniards
Perhaps the most prominent and memorable moment for Arab fans was Renard's encounter with the Spanish national team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when he was coaching the Atlas Lions. In that match, which was part of the final round of the group stage, the Moroccan national team, under Renard's leadership, delivered a lesson in tactical discipline and fighting spirit, and succeeded in embarrassing the 2010 World Cup champions.
The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Morocco taking the lead twice through Khalid Boutaib and Youssef En-Nesyri, only for Spain to narrowly equalize through Isco and Iago Aspas (in stoppage time). This match demonstrated Renard's ability to compete with top teams and neutralize the threat of possession-based football, a scenario Saudi fans hope to see repeated, especially after their epic victory over Argentina in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Facing Uruguay: An early lesson from Cavani
Going back a bit, specifically to August 11, 2010, Renard had a different experience when he was coaching the Angolan national team, facing Uruguay in a friendly match. At that time, the Uruguayan national team was enjoying its golden period after reaching the semi-finals of the South Africa World Cup.
Despite Renard's solid defensive performance, individual brilliance ultimately decided the match in favor of Uruguay, with Edinson Cavani and Abel Hernandez scoring two unanswered goals. This past experience gives Renard a clear understanding of the Latin American "grinta" and the fierce physical style that characterizes the Uruguayan national team, which necessitates special physical and mental preparation for the Saudi players.
Cape Verde: A resounding victory in the African jungle
On the African stage, Renard boasts an impeccable record against Cape Verde. During his time as coach of the Moroccan national team, he faced them in the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and secured a perfect record.
The French coach secured two consecutive victories, the first away from home with a score of 1-0, and the second with a score of 2-0, with star player Youssef El-Arabi being the key to scoring all two goals. This dominance underscores Renard's extensive experience in dealing with physically strong African teams, thus boosting the Saudi national team's chances of securing points in this match, which could be crucial for qualifying for the next round.
Optimistic scenarios for Al-Akhdar
Despite the changing circumstances and generations since those encounters, Renard's prior knowledge of the playing styles of these three schools (European, Latin American, and African) is a double-edged sword. The Saudi sporting public places great hope in the French coach's tactical acumen and his ability to motivate the players in crucial matches, aiming for a respectable performance befitting the reputation of Saudi football on the world stage.
