Donis appointed as Saudi national team coach: A mission towards the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Thursday the appointment of Greek coach Giorgos Donis as the new head coach of the national team, on a contract extending until July 2027. This decision comes after the departure of French coach Hervé Renard, whose contract with the Saudi national team was terminated by mutual consent, allowing him to take over as coach of the French women's national team.

Background to the previous phase: The Hervé Renard era

Donis' appointment comes on the heels of a relatively successful period for the Saudi national team under Hervé Renard, who led them to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During the tournament, the Saudi team achieved a historic victory over eventual champions Argentina, an accomplishment that continues to resonate throughout the football world. Renard's sudden departure to answer the call of his homeland presented a challenge for the Saudi Football Federation to find a suitable replacement capable of building upon past achievements and continuing the team's development.

Why Georgios Donis? Extensive experience in Saudi stadiums

The appointment of Donis is a strategic move by the Saudi Football Federation, given the Greek coach's deep knowledge of Saudi football. He has previously coached several clubs in the Saudi Professional League, most notably Al-Hilal, with whom he achieved remarkable success, as well as Al-Wehda, Al-Fateh, and Al-Khaleej in his most recent stint. This accumulated experience gives him an advantage in understanding the Saudi player's mentality and the nature of local competitions, which will expedite his integration and the implementation of his tactical ideas without requiring a lengthy adaptation period.

During his coaching career, Donis achieved several accomplishments, most notably:

• King's Cup with Al-Hilal (2015)
• Crown Prince Cup with Al-Hilal (2016)
• Saudi Super Cup with Al-Hilal (2015)
• Cypriot League and Cypriot Cup with APOEL Nicosia (2014)

Upcoming challenges: the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup

Donis and the Saudi national team face major challenges on both the continental and international stages. The first challenge is completing the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where the Saudi sporting public is eagerly anticipating a seventh appearance for the "Green Falcons." The most important strategic objective, which the coach's contract covers, is preparing for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This objective carries added significance, as the team aims to win the title on home soil and in front of its fans for the fourth time in its history, benefiting from the substantial support the sports sector receives under the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The Saudi Federation is scheduled to hold a press conference in Riyadh to introduce the new coaching staff led by Donis, before the national team delegation departs for its final preparatory camp in the United States in preparation for the decisive stage of the World Cup qualifiers.