Tunisia have parted ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi following their humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with experienced French manager Herve Renard appointed as his replacement.
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed the decision on Monday, less than 24 hours after the crushing Group F loss that severely dented the Carthage Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Renard, one of international football’s most respected coaches, takes over until the end of Tunisia’s World Cup campaign. The 56-year-old is best known for guiding Saudi Arabia to a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and most recently managed the France women’s national team.
Announcing the appointment on national television, Tunisian Football Federation president Moez Nassari said an agreement had been reached with Renard to immediately assume control of the national side.
“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach Herve Renard for him to take charge of the national football team until the end of the 2026 World Cup,” Tunisia’s public broadcaster reported.
Lamouchi, a former France international, had been in charge of Tunisia for only six months after taking over in January. However, the federation moved swiftly following Sunday’s heavy defeat, which exposed major defensive frailties and left the North Africans facing an uphill battle in Group F.
Renard’s first challenge will come on Saturday when Tunisia face Japan in a must-win encounter. Another defeat would almost certainly end their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.
The appointment reflects Tunisia’s determination to revive their campaign, with Renard’s proven tournament pedigree seen as a potential catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes.
AFP
