The Saudi Football Federation announced on Thursday the appointment of Greek coach Giorgos Donis as head of the first team, succeeding Frenchman Herve Renard, with a contract extending until July 2027, about two months before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Published on: 04/23/2026 - 21:53 Last updated: 04/23/2026 - 22:39
About two months before its participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the Saudi Football Federation on Thursday appointed Greek Giorgos Donis as coach of its first team, succeeding Frenchman Herve Renard, with a contract extending until July 2027.
A statement by the Saudi Federation through its official account on the “X” website included: “Today, Thursday, the Saudi Football Federation signed a contract with Greek coach Georgios Donis, according to which he will take over the technical helm of the first national team until July 2027, succeeding Frenchman Hervé Renard after settling the contractual relationship between the two parties.”
It is noteworthy that Donis (56 years old), the former coach of Panathinaikos Club, has great experience in Saudi football, as he previously supervised many of the Kingdom’s clubs, namely Al-Hilal (2015-2016), Al-Wahda (2021, 2023-2024), and Al-Fateh (2022-2023), before contracting with Al-Khaleej in 2024.
He also played for the Greek national team between 1991 and 1997, playing 24 international matches and scoring five goals.
Denis's appointment does not come as a surprise, as a source close to the negotiations told Agence France-Presse last Thursday that the Saudi Federation is negotiating with him to succeed Renard and supervise the Saudi national team in the 2026 World Cup.
The source said, "The Saudi Federation is currently negotiating with Denis to take over his duties soon instead of Frenchman Herve Renard."
Renard, who twice led the Saudi national team to qualify for the World Cup in 2022 and 2026, announced to Agence France-Presse last Friday that he had been relieved of his duties.
He said in a telephone statement, "This is football... Saudi Arabia has qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me. The only coach who has played in the qualifiers and the World Cup is me, and that will be in 2022. At least this pride will remain."
Saudi Arabia will play in the World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026, along with Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde in Group Eight.
France 24/AFP
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