Tunisia have made a dramatic managerial change just days into their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, parting ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi and immediately appointing experienced French tactician Hervé Renard in a bold attempt to revive their fading hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament.
The decision follows Tunisia’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that left the North African side under severe pressure to turn their campaign around quickly.
Lamouchi’s tenure ended abruptly after just a short spell in charge. The former France international had been appointed in January with high expectations but was unable to inspire a strong start on the world stage. The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed his dismissal on Tuesday before swiftly unveiling Renard as his successor.
Renard arrives with a strong reputation in international football, particularly across Africa. He famously guided Zambia to an historic Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 and later repeated the feat with Ivory Coast in 2015. His managerial journey also includes leading Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and masterminding Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina in 2022.
The 57-year-old now faces an urgent task of rescuing Tunisia’s campaign. The Carthage Eagles still have two decisive Group F fixtures ahead—against Japan on Saturday and the Netherlands on June 25.
Tunisia’s latest coaching shake-up is not without precedent. During the 1998 World Cup, the federation dismissed Polish coach Henryk Kasperczak after early defeats ended their qualification hopes before the final group game.
All eyes will now be on Renard as he attempts to engineer a rapid turnaround. With Tunisia still chasing a historic first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, the experienced Frenchman has been handed one of the toughest rescue missions in international football—but also another chance to further cement his legacy on the global stage.
