Former Zambia national team coach Hervé Renard is on the brink of guiding Saudi Arabia to their second consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, with a draw or win against Iraq in Jeddah tonight enough to seal their qualification.
Renard, who famously led Zambia to their historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title, described the encounter as ‘the most important game’ of his coaching career, emphasizing its significance as the Falcons stand one step away from booking their ticket to next year’s finals.
“What we did before, it’s nothing up to now because if we don’t achieve our goal tomorrow, you won’t remember the game against Indonesia or the one we played in Bahrain,” said Renard as quoted by Reuters.
“This game, for me, is the most important game in my career. I will explain to you after the game.”
The French tactician, a two-time AFCON winner, is currently in his second stint as Saudi Arabia head coach, having returned to the role to replace Roberto Mancini during the previous round of qualifiers. His comeback has rejuvenated the Gulf nation’s campaign after a string of poor results under the Italian.
Saudi Arabia is currently top Group B in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, level on points with Iraq but ahead on goals scored. Both sides secured wins over Indonesia, but Saudi Arabia’s earlier 3–2 victory over Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia gives them a narrow advantage heading into tonight’s showdown.
The group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, joining Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Uzbekistan, and Jordan as Asia’s confirmed representatives. Meanwhile, the runners-up will face each other in November for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
Renard praised his players’ maturity and focus.
“I’m lucky because I have some players with experience like Saleh Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari our captain, and now Hassan Al-Tambakthi is gaining more experience,” he said.
“I always tell them to stay focused. It’s not always easy with Saudi players, but the most important thing is that they’re listening. We are concentrated on our goal — to qualify — and we don’t have to do anything else.”
A positive result tonight would mark Saudi Arabia’s seventh World Cup appearance and a third one for Renard who also guided Morocco to the 2018 edition in Russia.
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