Saudi Arabia and Roberto Mancini part ways after 14 months in charge as AFC qualification challenges loom

Roberto Mancini has officially stepped down as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national football team, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed on Thursday, Soccernet.football reports.

Both parties reached a “joint agreement” for the 59-year-old Italian to depart after 14 months at the helm, with his successor expected to be announced “in the next few days after the finalization of contract procedures,” according to an SAFF statement.

Under Mancini’s leadership, Saudi Arabia played 18 matches, achieving seven wins, five draws, and six defeats, with a total of 26 goals scored and 22 conceded.

His tenure, however, faced difficulties in the crucial third stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers, where Saudi Arabia managed only one win in four games.

Despite initial optimism, the team’s form became a topic of public debate, and rumours of Mancini’s departure had circulated widely before Thursday’s announcement made it official.

SAFF shared its message on social media, stating, “The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the national team coach Roberto Mancini have today reached a joint agreement that provides for the end of the contractual relationship.”

Mancini’s tenure also included a challenging AFC Asian Cup campaign, where Saudi Arabia were knocked out in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout against South Korea.

Mancini faced criticism for walking off the field just before South Korea’s final penalty kick, an action for which he later apologised.

Earlier this month, Mancini openly voiced his concerns regarding the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s emphasis on foreign talent, highlighting its effect on domestic players.

“I’ve said this many times,” Mancini commented at a press conference. “This is the only problem that we have, because three years ago all the Saudi players played every game. Today? 50, 60 per cent don’t play in the game.”

As Saudi Arabia look to regroup, their next World Cup qualifying match will be an away clash against Australia in November.

Currently sitting third in Group C, the team faces a challenging path to secure automatic qualification, placing pressure on the incoming head coach to turn the campaign around.