The Saudi Football Federation is intensifying its efforts to select a new foreign coach, in anticipation of the possible departure of Frenchman Hervé Renard from leading the national team in the upcoming period.

The administration has put several prominent names on the candidate list, led by Italian Roberto De Zerbi, who was the first choice for the technical task. Despite the federation's interest in contracting him, De Zerbi declined the offer, prompting officials to quickly consider other alternatives.

Moroccan Walid Regragui emerges as the strongest candidate currently, with estimates indicating a high probability of him taking the position, making him the most likely choice.

The list also includes the name of Spaniard Xavi Hernandez, who has come into the spotlight, but he too declined to accept the task at this time.

Portuguese Ruben Amorim is also one of the options being considered, with the possibility of opening negotiations with him in the upcoming stage.

These moves come amid a decline in the national team's results recently, especially after a heavy friendly loss to Egypt, which has cast doubt on Renard's future before the World Cup.

The Saudi national team is preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup in Group H, alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, which increases the importance of quickly resolving the technical file.