Saudis turn to Renard in hopes of reclaiming former successes and revitalizing their World Cup aspirations

Saudi Arabia aims to revive its former successes as they face Australia in Asia’s World Cup preliminaries in Melbourne on Thursday. The Green Falcons are looking to move past the uninspired Roberto Mancini era with the return of Herve Renard.

Renard returns to the forefront for the first time since taking over from the Italian last month, following the conclusion of an often uncomfortable 14-month relationship between Mancini and the Saudis.

In the third phase of the continent’s qualifiers for the 2026 finals, the Saudis have recorded one win, two draws, and one loss across four games. This performance has positioned them in third place in Group C, where they are behind second-placed Australia on goal difference and trail leaders Japan by five points.

In each of Asia’s three preliminary groups, only the top two finishers automatically qualify for the finals, while the third and fourth placed teams move on to another round. The Saudis are eager to secure their guaranteed advancement.

Renard was at the helm when Saudi Arabia triumphed over Argentina in the nations’ opening game at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, marking a high point in his initial three-and-a-half-year tenure as the former Zambia coach.

For his return, Renard will be without the influential Salem Al-Dawsari, the winger who scored the decisive goal against Argentina, as the Al-Hilal player has withdrawn due to injury. However, veteran midfielder Salman Al-Faraj has been recalled.

The Saudis are up against a Socceroos team that gained momentum last month with Tony Popovic stepping in for Graham Arnold, securing four points from matches against China and Japan. Renard will be looking for a comparable outcome in the upcoming games against Australia and Indonesia next Tuesday.

The Japanese team currently tops the standings and will compete against the Indonesians on Friday, having been warmly welcomed upon their arrival in Jakarta on Monday. Bahrain will host China in the other match of the group.

“I’ve never encountered anything like this,” defender Yuto Nagatomo remarked upon arrival, as reported by Japanese media. “A significant stir unfolded at the airport, and I experienced a sensation akin to that of a Hollywood star.”

Reigning Asian champions Qatar are set for a pivotal encounter with Uzbekistan in Group A, a match that Tintin Marquez’s team must secure to revive their quest for an automatic qualification spot.

Qatar trails six points behind the leaders, Iran, who are set to face North Korea in Laos, along with Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, the third-placed United Arab Emirates, currently tied on four points with Qatar, will host Kyrgyzstan.

Leaders of Group B, South Korea, are set to travel to Kuwait, maintaining a three-point lead over Iraq and Jordan, who will compete against each other in Basra, while Oman will host Palestine in Muscat.