Renard and the Saudi trio eyeing a third World Cup
Herve Renard is set to coach at his third World Cup, with three Saudi players also aiming to make it a hat-trick of appearances at the global finals.
Saudi Arabia are preparing for their seventh World Cup
Herve Renard primed to coach at global finals for the third time
Salem Al Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno and Ali Albulayhi also experienced on the biggest stage
This year marks Saudi Arabia's seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup™ and a return to the site of their first, back in 1994 in the USA. The draw for the tournament has slotted them into Group H alongside heavyweights Spain, Cabo Verde and Uruguay, guaranteeing some tricky early tests.
They will be helped, however, by the extensive World Cup experience in their ranks. Coach Herve Renard and playing trio Salem Al Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno and Ali Albulayhi are all eyeing a third tilt at the global finals. Here, FIFA shines the spotlight on the quartet's World Cup careers to date.
Herve Renard first stepped into the World Cup arena as Morocco's coach at Russia 2018, ending a 20-year drought for the Atlas Lions. Before their group-stage exit, Morocco put up a fight in a tough group featuring Spain, Portugal and Iran, drawing 2-2 with La Roja and losing out 1-0 in their other two matches.
By the time next World Cup came around, Renard was in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team. He took on role in July 2019 and oversaw the Saudis' successful Qatar 2022 qualification campaign.
There, his name became attached to one of the tournament's standout results when Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1 in a group-stage match that showcased clear tactical boldness, utilising a high defensive line and a disciplined offside trap, plus swift transitions to exploit openings behind the opposition's backline. Despite defeats to Poland 2-0 and Mexico 2-1, the performance and discipline of the side left a lasting impression.
Following that tournament, Renard received the call to lead the France women's national side ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. He became only the second coach in history – after Englishman John Herdman – to coach at both men's and women's World Cups, and the first to achieve victories in both competitions. He oversaw France's run to the quarter-finals, where they ultimately went out to Australia on penalties.
Saudi Arabia re-hired Renard on 26 October 2024, during the third round of AFC qualifiers, to replace Roberto Mancini at a time when the team needed to regain their balance and secure their path to the World Cup. One year later, the French coach led Saudi Arabia to qualification for the North American showpiece.
Away from the World Cup stage, Renard boasts an impressive continental record, having lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title with two different nations (Zambia in 2012, Côte d’Ivoire in 2015). That additional experience may be key as he guides Saudi Arabia through their campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.
The name Salem Al Dawsari is inextricably linked to Saudi Arabia’s biggest World Cup moments. At Russia 2018, he struck the winner against Egypt in the 95th minute, delivering their first World Cup victory since 1994.
At Qatar 2022, he sealed the historic victory over Argentina with a curling strike in the 53rd minute, then was back to score against Mexico in the third group match.
Those three goals put him level with the great Sami Al Jaber atop Saudi Arabia's all-time World Cup scoring charts and he stands to claim the record outright if he adds another at the upcoming tournament. Should the Green Falcons reach the knockout rounds and the 34-year-old feature in every match, he'll equal Mohamed Al Deayea's Saudi record of 10 World Cup appearances.
Technically, the Al Hilal captain excels on the left wing, always looking to cut inside. He retains impressive pace, the ability to dribble through tight spaces, and is cool and calculated in front of goal.
Al Dawsari has continued to demonstrate his effectiveness against both domestic and continental opposition with Al Hilal this season, with 17 goal involvements across 24 matches. At international level, he shone at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, recording one goal and six assists while leading Saudi Arabia to the semi-finals.
If Al Dawsari is the star and skipper, Mohamed Kanno is the side's beating heart and backbone of the Saudi midfield. A favourite of Renard’s, Kanno will be a key tactical lever at the upcoming tournament, barring any unforeseen physical setbacks.
After a World Cup debut that was limited to 15 minutes against Uruguay at Russia 2018, he transformed into a first-team regular across all three group-stage matches at Qatar 2022. He earned broad acclaim for his ability to control the tempo in midfield against opponents at all levels.
The 31-year-old has racked up 70 international caps with eight goals. The Al Hilal star's real value lies in his ability to link play and retain possession under pressure, alongside his defensive work to win back balls and disrupt opposition attacks.
During the 2025 Arab Cup, Kanno made his mark by scoring three goals to help his side reach the last four. He's also putting in consistent performances with Al Hilal this season, boosting his readiness ahead of the upcoming global challenge.
After Saudi Arabia's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the hosts at Russia 2018, Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi adjusted team's line-up for the next encounter, with Albulayhi among the most notable changes. Placed into the starting XI against Uruguay despite having only three international caps to his name prior to the tournament, Albulayhi delivered a solid defensive performance against an attack led by Luis Suarez, who scored the only goal of the match.
From that moment on, Albulayhi gradually cemented his place in Saudi Arabia's backline, eventually becoming a bedrock of the defence at Qatar 2022. He put on a brilliant display in the Argentina match, showing strength in one-on-one duels and boldness in advancing with the ball.
His form dipped in 2025, losing his starting spot at Al Hilal and slipping off the international roster. Since his January move to Al Shabab, however, he has recovered his consistency, bringing his name back into the mix ahead of the World Cup.