Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team just three weeks before a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Australia. Mancini, who famously guided Italy to victory in the European Championship in 2021, departed from his position by “joint agreement,” according to an official statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
The 59-year-old coach joined the Saudi Arabian team in August 2023, a mere two weeks after stepping down as Italy’s head coach. During his 14-month stint, Mancini led Saudi Arabia to seven wins in 18 games, but his tenure fell short of expectations. His reign faced criticism following Saudi Arabia’s recent struggles in Asia’s third round of World Cup qualifying.
Roberto Mancini Part Ways with Saudi Arabia Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Against Australia
Currently, Saudi Arabia sits third in Group C with five points from four matches, behind Japan, who leads with ten points, and Australia, who are ahead on goal difference. The top two teams in each group automatically secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams must go through additional rounds of qualifying. Saudi Arabia’s recent 2-0 loss to Japan and a goalless draw with Bahrain have left them outside of automatic qualification spots.
Mancini’s last major outing with the team saw Saudi Arabia knocked out of the Asian Cup in the last 16, losing in a penalty shootout to South Korea. His departure garnered attention after he was criticized for leaving the pitch before South Korea took their final penalty shot, an action for which he later apologized.
In a statement released on social media platform X, the SAFF confirmed the decision: “The board of directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today, which includes the end of the contractual relationship.”
Under Mancini’s guidance, Saudi Arabia will now face a significant challenge in upcoming qualifiers. The team is set to travel to Melbourne for their November 14 qualifier against Australia, followed by a match against Indonesia in Jakarta on November 19.
Mancini’s departure marks the end of a storied managerial chapter for the Italian coach, who has enjoyed success in both Italian and English leagues. Prior to his stint with Saudi Arabia, Mancini managed Inter Milan, where he won three Serie A titles, and Manchester City, where he famously secured the 2013 Premier League title on the final day with Sergio Aguero’s dramatic last-minute goal.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation will now be under pressure to find a suitable replacement who can revitalize the team’s World Cup campaign in the coming weeks.
