2026 World Cup: “They have a great chance” — Herve Renard backs Argentina to lift the trophy

Hervé Renard, the coach of Saudi Arabia national football team, has publicly tipped Argentina national football team as strong contenders to win the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to D Sports, Renard revisited his prior prediction ahead of the 2022 tournament, when he supported Lionel Scaloni’s side — a forecast that proved accurate as Argentina went on to beat France national football team in the final in Qatar. According to Renard, “Argentina has a great chance of winning the World Cup again.”

Looking back, the 57‑year‑old coach highlighted that although Argentina’s 2022 World Cup journey started with difficulties, those early challenges ended up galvanizing the squad — making them stronger as the tournament progressed.

Why Renard believes Argentina could triumph again

• Proven pedigree and recent success: Argentina’s 2022 victory under Scaloni — culminating in the ultimate prize — makes them obvious top-tier contenders in 2026. Renard’s endorsement reflects respect for their track record.
• Momentum from past performance: Renard argues that a rough start does not preclude ultimate success. In his view, Argentina’s earlier setback could serve as motivation, just as it apparently did in 2022.
• Consistency at the highest level: With world‑class talents and a winning mentality, Argentina remains among the elite national teams — combining experience, talent, and mental resilience.

A broader view: 2026 World Cup context

As the 2026 World Cup draws near — expanded to include 48 teams and hosted across multiple nations — global expectations are running high. Many historically strong national teams are already viewed as contenders. That said, veteran coaches like Renard may continue to highlight nations like Argentina, whose stability and recent success make them logical favorites.

For fans and pundits alike, Renard’s endorsement adds an interesting layer to pre‑tournament speculation: a respected coach recognizing Argentina’s potential at a time when competition will be fiercer than ever.