Saudi coach Renard labels Iraq game most important of his career
Hervé Renard, manager of the Saudi Arabia national football team, declared his upcoming fixture against Iraq as “the most important match of his career.” The match, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying process, took place in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia holds a slim lead over Iraq on goal difference in Group B of the Asian qualifiers.
Renard cited the leadership of senior players like Salem Al-Dawsari, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Hassan Al-Tambakthi as integral to maintaining stability in high-pressure environments. Iraq’s coach, Graham Arnold, acknowledged the challenge, noting Saudi Arabia’s consistency in recent fixtures.
The coach’s remarks reflect the national expectation surrounding Saudi Arabia’s qualification campaign. With regional ambitions in sports, such statements also serve to galvanize public support and set the narrative ahead of critical matches.
References & Source
Reuters — “Saudi coach Renard labels Iraq game most important of his career.”
Link: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/saudi-coach-renard-labels-iraq-game-most-important-his-career-2025-10-13/