TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia have dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy 5‑1 defeat to Sweden at the World Cup and appointed Frenchman Herve Renard to lead the team through the remainder of the tournament.
The Tunisian Football Federation announced the decision Monday on national television, confirming that Renard will take charge until the end of the 2026 World Cup. Federation president Moez Nassari said an official agreement had been reached with the French coach, who guided Saudi Arabia to a shock victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and later managed the France women’s team.
Lamouchi, a former France international, had only been appointed in January. His tenure ended abruptly after Tunisia’s opening‑round loss left the team facing a difficult path to the knockout stage. Tunisia next play Japan in Group F on Saturday, a match that could determine whether they remain in contention.
Renard’s appointment brings international experience and a reputation for motivating underdog teams. His track record includes successful stints in Africa, where he won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, before moving on to roles in Asia and Europe.
The decision reflects Tunisia’s urgency to stabilize their campaign after a demoralizing start. The federation emphasized that the change was made to restore confidence and give the team a chance to compete effectively in the remaining group matches. Renard’s familiarity with African football is seen as an asset in managing Tunisia’s squad and navigating the pressures of the global stage.
Globally, the move highlights the intense scrutiny national teams face at the World Cup, where early defeats can trigger swift managerial changes. Tunisia’s choice of Renard underscores the value of experienced coaches with proven success in international tournaments, as the team seeks to revive its hopes and maintain credibility in front of a worldwide audience.
