Herve Renard replaces Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi after World Cup thrashing

By SABC Sport
16th June 2026

Tunisia have moved quickly to change their coaching staff after their disappointing start to the FIFA World Cup, replacing Sabri Lamouchi with experienced French coach Herve Renard following their heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden.

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed that Lamouchi had been dismissed just days after the opening Group F match in Monterrey, making him the first managerial casualty of this year's tournament.

Lamouchi had only taken charge in January on a contract running until 2028, but his short spell ended after a difficult run of results. Tunisia managed just one victory in five matches under the former French international, with their only win coming against Haiti in March.

Their preparations for the World Cup had also raised concerns after defeats against Austria and a damaging 5-0 loss to Belgium before the tournament. The opening defeat to Sweden proved to be the final setback as Tunisia looked vulnerable throughout the match.

The FTF announced that Renard would lead the team for the remainder of their World Cup campaign, with discussions over a possible longer-term agreement to follow.

"The agreement also stipulates that negotiations will be opened after the World Cup campaign to consider a long-term partnership based on specific sporting objectives," the federation said.

Renard arrived in Monterrey to join the Tunisia squad and immediately faced the challenge of rebuilding confidence ahead of their next Group F fixture against Japan.

The 56-year-old brought valuable World Cup experience, having guided Saudi Arabia during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Renard's Saudi side produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history by defeating eventual champions Argentina in the group stage.

The coach also has a strong African record, having won the Africa Cup of Nations twice with Zambia and Ivory Coast. He later managed the France women's national team at the 2023 Women's World Cup and the Paris Olympics before returning to Saudi Arabia, where he helped the men's team qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Tunisia now need a quick response as they prepare for their crucial clash against Japan on 21 June at Monterrey Stadium, Mexico, before facing the Netherlands on 25 June.