Renard is monitoring Al-Najma and Al-Taawoun players in preparation for the 2026 World Cup
In a move reflecting the utmost seriousness and diligent work of the Saudi national football team's coaching staff, the assistants to French coach Hervé Renard continued their intensive field visits to Saudi clubs. These visits are part of a comprehensive strategy for early and optimal preparation for the 2026 World Cup, with the coaching staff recently visiting Al-Taawoun and Al-Najma clubs.
These visits are particularly important given the crucial transitional phase the Saudi national team is undergoing following Hervé Renard's return to the helm. These tours aim to go beyond mere observation; the coaching staff meticulously examined all details concerning the players being considered for the international squad. The visits included a thorough review of physical statistics, medical reports, and dietary plans to ensure they meet the high international standards Renard imposes on his players, guaranteeing peak readiness for upcoming competitions.
Strategically, Renard and his coaching staff's interest in Al-Najma (a club in the Yellow Division) carries profound implications and sends a positive message to all players across all leagues. This approach confirms that the national team is open to anyone who proves their worth, and is not limited to clubs in the lower divisions or the professional league. This policy is an extension of Renard's previous successes at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he relied on the most prepared and cohesive group, resulting in the historic victory over Argentina. Expanding the selection pool to include clubs like Al-Najma and Al-Taawon strengthens domestic competition and raises the ambitions of emerging players.
On the technical coordination front, the visits included fruitful meetings with the technical staff of both clubs, during which joint working mechanisms for the upcoming phase were established. This integration between the national team and the clubs is the cornerstone of building a strong national team capable of competing with the best in the next global tournament, especially since the 2026 World Cup will be held in an expanded format requiring endurance and exceptional talent. During the meetings, emphasis was placed on the importance of adhering to technical and physical instructions to maintain a consistently improving performance.
In a related development, the work doesn't stop there. The national team's technical agenda indicates that the coming period will witness similar visits to other clubs, including Al-Kholoud, Al-Hazm, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab, Al-Riyadh, and Al-Fateh. These extensive tours confirm that the coaching staff is striving to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Saudi players' condition, in order to ensure the selection of the ideal squad that will carry the hopes of Saudi and Arab fans in the upcoming World Cup.
