Frenchman Hervé Renard, the coach of the Saudi national team, revealed the emotional reason behind why he considered facing Iraq in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to be the most important in his coaching career, after Al-Akhdar succeeded in officially booking a qualification ticket to the World Cup despite the goalless draw.
Saudi Arabia qualifies for the World Cup despite a draw
The Saudi national team ended its campaign in the Asian qualifiers with a scoreless draw against its Iraqi counterpart, topping the group with 4 points, superior to the Iraqi national team in second place on goal difference, thus ensuring qualification to the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Renard sends a special greeting to the Saudi fans
Renard began his speech in the press conference after the match by giving a special greeting to the Saudi fans, stressing that they were the most prominent factor in supporting the team during its journey in the qualifiers.
The French coach said: “I would like to congratulate the Saudi fans. I was expecting such a large attendance, but they were more wonderful than we imagined. Salem Al-Dosari was the star of the match without a doubt, but the audience also deserves praise.”
He added: “I congratulate the Minister, the President of the Federation, and all the players. Qualifying was not easy, but we did it.” He also thanked Yasser Al-Mashal, President of the Saudi Football Federation, dedicating this qualification to him, along with the player Fahd Al-Mawlid, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Renard reveals why he considers confronting Iraq the most important in his career
Regarding the reason for describing the Iraq match as the most important in his coaching career, Renard said: “It is very emotional for me, because my mother died recently, and she had told me the last time I met her last January: I may not be present in the next World Cup, but you must be present with the Saudi national team.”
It is worth noting that the Saudi national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup, after drawing on Tuesday evening with the Iraqi national team without goals, qualifying thanks to the difference in goals scored in its favor despite being tied on points with the Iraqi national team.
