Will Walid Regragui lead Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup?

According to the Saudi Sports Channel, Walid Regragui, former coach of the Moroccan national team, is on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi national team, taking over from Frenchman Hervé Renard.

The channel reported that discussions with Regragui have progressed significantly. Meanwhile, the Saudi Football Federation had also approached Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, who declined the offer, as did Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona manager, who was considered for leading the team into the 2026 World Cup.

#In_90 | The leading candidates to replace coach Renard, who may face dismissal by the Saudi Football Federation.#Saudi_Arabia_Serbia | #With_You_Green#Saudi_Sports pic.twitter.com/5Dhv9GdO04

— Saudi Sports Channels (@riyadiyatv) March 29, 2026

Hervé Renard has come under intense scrutiny, particularly following the Saudi team's crushing 4-0 defeat against Egypt in a recent friendly match.

It's important to note that the Saudi national team has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.