2026 World Cup: Tunisia Appoint Renard After Sacking Lamouchi

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

The Tunisian Football Federation made the decision shortly after the team suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture on Monday.

Renard is expected to arrive in Mexico on Tuesday and immediately begin work with the squad ahead of Tunisia’s remaining matches at the tournament.

The 57-year-old brings extensive international experience, having managed several national teams across Africa and Asia during his coaching career.

Renard’s appointment comes after Lamouchi’s brief spell in charge ended abruptly following Tunisia’s disappointing performance against Sweden, where defensive errors contributed to a heavy loss.

The former Saudi Arabia coach was dismissed in April after his second stint with the country’s national team came to an end.

Renard previously guided Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team produced one of the biggest shocks in tournament history by defeating eventual champions Argentina in the group stage.

He also led Morocco at the 2018 World Cup, helping the North African side compete against some of the world’s strongest teams.

The Frenchman has a strong record in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.

His coaching career has also included a spell managing the France women’s national team during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Tunisia will be hoping Renard’s experience in international tournaments can help stabilise their campaign and improve their chances of progressing from Group F.

The Carthage Eagles face a difficult challenge after their opening defeat left them under pressure early in the competition.

Renard’s immediate task will be rebuilding confidence within the squad, improving defensive organisation and preparing Tunisia for their next group fixture.

The appointment represents another major coaching change at the World Cup, with teams under pressure to make quick decisions as they fight for qualification to the knockout stage.