Tunisia have made a dramatic change in leadership at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointing experienced French tactician Hervé Renard following the team’s crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group Stage match.
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed the decision on Tuesday, making Lamouchi the first coach to lose his job at the tournament.
The former Ivory Coast international had only taken charge of the North African side in January on a contract that was expected to run until 2028.
Lamouchi’s tenure proved challenging, with Tunisia managing just one victory in five matches under his leadership.
Their only success came in a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti in March.
However, a series of disappointing results followed, including defeats to Austria and Belgium in pre-World Cup friendlies, before the emphatic loss to Sweden accelerated the federation’s decision to make a change.
The Eagles of Carthage now face a difficult task to revive their World Cup campaign, with crucial fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands still to come.
Renard has been appointed until the conclusion of Tunisia’s World Cup journey.
According to the federation, discussions regarding a longer-term agreement will take place after the tournament, with both parties expected to evaluate future sporting objectives.
The 57-year-old arrives with a strong reputation on the international stage.
Renard is best known for winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice, guiding Zambia to a historic triumph in 2012 before leading Ivory Coast to continental glory in 2015.
His World Cup credentials were further enhanced in 2022 when he coached Saudi Arabia to one of the tournament’s greatest upsets, defeating eventual champions Argentina in the group stage in Qatar.
He later managed the French women’s national team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Paris Olympic Games before returning to Saudi Arabia and helping the Green Falcons secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Tunisian supporters will hope Renard’s vast experience and proven ability to inspire teams in major competitions can help steady the ship and reignite their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.
With two decisive matches remaining, all eyes will be on Renard as he begins his latest challenge on football’s biggest stage.
