In a significant move, Georgios Donis has been appointed as the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national football team just months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in North America. Thursday’s announcement by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation comes as a replacement for the Frenchman Herve Renard, who guided the team to World Cup qualification.
This appointment is made at an important juncture, with Saudi Arabia gearing up for the international event to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Donis has been appointed until July 2027, indicating a commitment beyond the World Cup.
The 56-year-old Greek coach has a solid international track record. He has been in charge of top European clubs like AEK Athens and PAOK. He has also had success in Cyprus, securing the league and cup double in 2013-14. Donis is no stranger to the Saudi football scene, having won the King’s Cup, Crown Prince Cup and Saudi Super Cup during his first stint with the club.
Renard’s departure comes after his second stint with Saudi Arabia, which started in 2024. Since his arrival, the team have qualified for their first ever World Cup and are in the tough Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.
The Saudi federation has announced that the new team will be unveiled in a press conference in Riyadh before they travel to the US for their final preparations. This move appears to be a federation attempt to provide stability and new tactical approaches just before the world’s most significant football event.
The appointment of a new coach underlines Saudi Arabia’s desire to enhance its football presence on the international stage ahead of the difficult World Cup group they have drawn in.
