The Saudi Football Federation signed a contract today, Thursday, with Greek coach Georgios Donis to take over the technical leadership of the senior national team until July 2027, replacing Frenchman Hervé Renard after settling the contractual relationship between the two parties.
Donis has had several coaching stints with European and local clubs, most notably AEK Athens and PAOK in Greece. He also has extensive coaching experience in the Saudi Roshn Professional League with clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Wehda, and Al-Fateh, in addition to his most recent experience with Al-Khaleej, which will enhance his quick adaptation to the upcoming phase.
Donis has also achieved several accomplishments during his coaching career, most notably the Cypriot League in 2013-2014, the Cypriot Cup in 2013-2014, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup in 2015, the Crown Prince Cup in 2015-2016, in addition to the Saudi Super Cup in 2015.
The senior national team is preparing to enter the fourth and final stage of the preparation program for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
The Saudi Football Federation will hold a press conference with the national team’s technical staff in Riyadh, before the national team delegation departs for its final preparatory camp in the United States of America in preparation for participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup is a prestigious Saudi Arabian football tournament, named after the official title of the Saudi king. Established in 2008, it replaced the Crown Prince Cup and serves as the country’s primary knockout competition. The cup’s name honors the king’s role as the protector of Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, linking the sport to the nation’s religious heritage.
Crown Prince Cup
The Crown Prince Cup is a significant cultural artifact in Thailand, traditionally used in royal ceremonies to honor the heir to the throne. Historically, it was created during the reign of King Rama IV and symbolizes the formal recognition of the crown prince’s status. The cup is often featured in important rituals, such as the investiture ceremony, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the Thai monarchy.
Saudi Super Cup
The Saudi Super Cup is an annual football competition in Saudi Arabia, first held in 2013, that pits the winners of the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup against each other. It has grown in prominence with the rise of star players joining Saudi clubs, and the 2024 edition was notably hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The tournament serves as a season-opening showcase for the top teams in Saudi football.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, notably expanded to 48 teams for the first time. It is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three nations have co-hosted the event. This follows the tournament’s long history, which began in 1930, and will feature matches across 16 cities in North America.
