Saudi Arabia plans to part ways with head coach Herve Renard just 59 days before their World Cup debut against Uruguay on June 15. Renard, who has been at the helm for about six years across two terms, previously led the team to qualify for the tournament. Following a brief stint coaching France's women's team, where he reached the quarter-finals, he became the second World Cup coach to be dismissed in recent weeks. His replacement will be Carlos Quieroz, previously a coach for Real Madrid and Colombia. The team is set to prepare for the tournament with a friendly against Ecuador on May 31.

By the Numbers
  • 59 days until Saudi Arabia's World Cup match against Uruguay on June 15.
  • Two coaches have left their roles ahead of the World Cup in recent weeks, including Otto Addo from Ghana.
State of Play
  • Saudi Arabia recently qualified for the World Cup, finishing top of their group in the qualifiers.
  • Only one friendly match is scheduled before their opening game against Uruguay.
What's Next

Saudi Arabia will need to quickly adapt to the new coach, Carlos Quieroz, as they prepare for their World Cup matches against strong opponents, including Spain and Cape Verde. The team's ability to integrate Quieroz's strategies ahead of the tournament will be crucial for their performance.

Bottom Line

Saudi Arabia's decision to part with Renard so close to the World Cup could disrupt preparations, but the appointment of a seasoned coach like Quieroz may provide the team with a competitive edge. The success of the national team will largely depend on their adaptability and execution of the new coach’s game plan in the coming weeks.