World Cup 2026: Renard- ‘Cape Verde want to show’

Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard has mentioned one thing debutants Cape Verde will seek to prove at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The draw held in Washington DC, the United States on Friday, placed Saudi Arabia in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia book their spot in the #FIFArabCup quarter-finals, while 🇴🇲 Oman settle for a draw in Group B! pic.twitter.com/b8aAsMIpYV

— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) December 6, 2025

Reflecting on the outcome of the draw, the former Ivory Coast manager described the group as difficult citing the presence of Spain.

“This is a World Cup; I will say we are always in the difficult group,” he told the Saudi Arabia Pro League website.

“Four years ago, it was Argentina, Mexico. Today it’s Spain, the first team in the FIFA ranking, so we can say the best team in the world. Also, Uruguay, a very strong team with a very good coach, Marcelo Bielsa.”

Herve Renard’s take on Cape Verde

Apart from the traditional World Cup giants, the Green Falcons manager then explained why the African opponents cannot be underrated.

“And Cape Verde: they want to show to the world in their first participation [that] they can do very well. So, this is a World Cup level,” the Frenchman added.

The former Zambia coach will take charge of Saudi Arabia at the World Cup for the second time. He also managed the Green Falcons at the 2024 World Cup held in Qatar where they caused an upset to stun Lionel Messi-led Argentina.

Hervé Renard said he now has a new team from the one that defeated the reigning World Cup champions.

“We have a different team now; only four players from the previous generation. So, some of them will play for the first time in the World Cup. They need experience,” the AFCON winner added.

“But it’s a fantastic opportunity, a tough match against Spain as well.”

Hervé Renard also commented on whether Saudi Arabia stood a chance to beat Argentina again, saying: “If they all agree we can beat them and they can be champion of the world, we sign immediately.”