Who Is the New Manager of Saudi Arabia’s National Team?
Greek manager Giorgos Donis has officially taken charge of the Saudi Arabian national football team, tasked with leading the squad into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 56-year-old signed a contract that runs through June 2027. Donis has been working in Saudi Arabia since 2021, previously managing clubs such as Al-Wehda, Al-Fateh, and Al-Khalij.
He replaces Hervé Renard, who was dismissed before the World Cup campaign began. Under Donis, Saudi Arabia has already played two friendlies in 2026, both ending in defeat: a 4–0 loss to Egypt and a 2–1 loss to Serbia. Preparation continues, with a friendly match against Ecuador scheduled for May 31.
Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup: What We Know
At the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H, facing the following opponents:
- Spain
- Cape Verde
- Uruguay
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Saudi Arabia’s first match is scheduled for June 16 at 01:00 Kyiv time, where they will meet Uruguay.
The decision to part ways with Hervé Renard and bring in Giorgos Donis signals a major shift in the team’s leadership, which could significantly impact their preparation for this high-stakes international competition. Given the team’s recent results, the new coach will need to quickly identify effective strategies to improve performance and achieve success at the World Cup. With preparations intensifying, it is crucial that the squad shows clear progress in the upcoming fixtures.
As the Saudi Arabian national team embarks on this new chapter under Giorgos Donis, it's important to reflect on the circumstances that led to the previous coach's departure. The decision to part ways with Hervé Renard came after a challenging period marked by a series of disappointing results. For a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to this significant coaching change, read more about Renard's struggles and the implications for the team.