In a move reflecting a serious desire to bolster the national team's attacking prowess, French coach Hervé Renard officially announced the inclusion of Al-Ettifaq star Khalid Al-Ghannam in his squad for the upcoming training camp in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. This decision comes as Saudi fans eagerly await the details of the lineup the French coach will rely on in the next phase.
Renard's artistic vision and rejuvenation
Renard's announcement came during a video interview broadcast on the national team's official accounts on Sunday, where the veteran coach confirmed his complete understanding of the Saudi sports fans' expectations. Renard said, "I know that the Saudi fans are eager to see certain names, but we can say for now that the best Saudi goalscorer is Khalid Al-Ghannam , and he will be with us." The French coach added decisively that he would not reveal the specific group in which the player would be placed within the training camp's tactical divisions, but he confirmed that the decision to include him had already been made, congratulating the player on this achievement.
Khaled Al-Ghannam's development and Saad Al-Shehri's imprint
Renard didn't just announce the signing; he also addressed the technical aspects that tipped the scales in the player's favor, praising his remarkable improvement in both his technical and physical abilities. Renard explained, "He was with us before, and I see now that he's become much more consistent." In a gesture reflecting appreciation for the collaborative work between clubs and the national team, Renard extended special thanks to national team coach Saad Al-Shehri, saying, "I thank his coach, Saad Al-Shehri, for giving him more opportunities to play as a striker, and this is very important for us.".
This statement reflects the importance of utilizing local players in crucial positions such as center forward, especially given the high level of competition in the Saudi Professional League. Khaled Al-Ghannam currently tops the Saudi league's scoring charts with 10 goals, a figure that demonstrates his effectiveness in front of goal and his ability to capitalize on opportunities, making him a valuable asset for the national team.
Preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming challenges
This call-up is of paramount importance in the context of preparations for the 2026 World Cup finals, as the Saudi national team seeks to ensure the readiness of both its starting and reserve players. Hervé Renard's return to the helm is part of a long-term strategy aimed at replicating past successes and building a strong team capable of competing internationally. Having a local striker who can score regularly solves a long-standing problem for the national team's coaching staff, and provides the team with diverse tactical options for crucial qualifying matches and the World Cup itself.
