Saudi press reports have addressed the future of Frenchman Hervé Renard, the head coach of the Saudi national team, amidst the team's fluctuating results in recent times, ahead of their participation in the 2026 World Cup.

The newspaper "Al-Riyadiyah" reported that the name of the Greek Georgios Donis, the head coach of the Al-Khaleej team, was proposed as one of the potential options to lead the national team if Renard leaves his position.

The newspaper clarified that the name of Donis was brought up following the criticism directed at Renard after the national team's losses to Egypt and Serbia in the preparatory matches for the World Cup.

On the other hand, reports indicated that Donis is continuing his negotiations with Al-Khaleej Club to renew his contract, as he discusses the plan for the next season, insisting on several demands, most notably increasing financial support, strengthening the team, and developing training facilities.

The newspaper confirmed that the Gulf management has not received any official communications from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation regarding the coach, who is currently on vacation in his home country.

Al-Khaleej holds the tenth position in the Saudi Roshn League with 31 points, while the Saudi national team is preparing to enter a closed training camp in preparation for the World Cup, where it will compete in a group that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.

It is noted that Renard took charge of the Saudi national team between 2019 and 2023, before returning again two years ago and leading them to qualify for the World Cup through the Asian playoffs.