Ex-Morocco coach Walid Regragui close to replacing Hervé Renard as new Saudi Arabia coach

Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is on the brink of being appointed as the new manager of the Saudi Arabia national football team, with the deal nearing completion as he prepares to replace Hervé Renard.

The potential change in leadership follows mounting criticism of Renard after Saudi Arabia’s heavy 4-0 defeat to the Egypt national football team in an international friendly at Al-Inma Stadium on Friday.

The result, which came as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensified scrutiny on the Frenchman’s position.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that an agreement with Regragui is approximately 80 percent complete, with only final formalities delaying an official announcement. The Moroccan tactician is expected to introduce a revamped training programme aimed at improving the team’s tactical discipline and overall performance.

Supporters of the Green Falcons are already expressing optimism, hopeful that Regragui’s proven pedigree and balanced approach to both defence and attack will reinvigorate the national side ahead of upcoming competitions.

Meanwhile, the Saudi squad has arrived in Belgrade for a training camp, where they are set to face the Serbia national football team in a friendly on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The camp forms part of their broader preparations for the World Cup, with the team settling into their base in a calm and organised atmosphere conducive to focused technical work ahead of the crucial fixture.