Tunisia Appoint Hervé Renard After Dismissing Sabri Lamouchi Following World Cup Performance

Tunisia have appointed French coach Hervé Renard as their new head coach after dismissing Sabri Lamouchi following just one match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision comes after Tunisia suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening Group F fixture.

On June 15, 2026, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) announced that Lamouchi had left his position. Although the statement was briefly removed from the federation’s platforms, it was later reposted, confirming the coach’s departure.

The move makes Tunisia the first team in FIFA World Cup history to sack a head coach after only one match during the tournament.

Hervé Renard Takes Charge

Shortly after confirming Lamouchi’s exit, Tunisia finalized negotiations with experienced French coach Hervé Renard.

According to Tunisia’s national news agency, Tunis Afrique Presse, Renard was selected to lead the national team for the remainder of the competition.

The 57-year-old coach is expected to arrive in Mexico, where Tunisia are currently based, and immediately begin preparations for the team’s upcoming matches.

His first training session with the squad is scheduled shortly after his arrival.

A Coach With World Cup Experience

Renard is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful international football coaches.

This appointment marks his third consecutive FIFA World Cup as a head coach.

He previously guided Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia before leading Saudi Arabia at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

During the 2022 World Cup, Renard gained international attention after Saudi Arabia stunned eventual champions Argentina with a memorable 2-1 victory in the group stage.

Despite that historic result, Saudi Arabia lost their remaining two matches and failed to advance to the knockout rounds.

Renard will now attempt to achieve what he has yet to accomplish in his World Cup coaching career: leading a team beyond the group stage.

Tunisia Seeking a Quick Response

Tunisia’s World Cup campaign began in disappointing fashion with a heavy defeat to Sweden.

The result placed immediate pressure on the team as they seek qualification from a competitive Group F.

The North African side now faces a crucial match against Japan on June 21, 2026.

They will then conclude their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands.

With two matches remaining, Tunisia still have an opportunity to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Pressure and Expectations

The decision to change coaches during the tournament highlights the urgency within Tunisian football leadership.

The federation is hoping that Renard’s experience at major international competitions can provide an immediate boost to player confidence and tactical organization.

Renard has built a reputation for succeeding with African national teams, having previously won the Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire.

His ability to unite teams under pressure will now be tested once again as Tunisia attempt to recover from their difficult start.

All eyes will be on the veteran coach as he begins one of the most challenging assignments of his career, taking over a World Cup campaign already underway.