Hervé Renard Set To Take Over Tunisia After Coach Sabri Lamouchi Was Sacked At 2026 World Cup
The Tunisian Football Federation has reportedly reached an agreement with Hervé Renard to take charge of the national team following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F match.
According to reports, Lamouchi became the first coaching casualty of the tournament after a disappointing start that left Tunisia bottom of the group with two matches still to play.
The federation had earlier indicated that Mondher Kebaier was being lined up to take charge on an interim basis, but reports now suggest that all arrangements have been finalized for Renard to step in as the new head coach. Tunisia still have fixtures against Japan and Netherlands, meaning the coaching change comes at a critical stage as the Carthage Eagles look to rescue their World Cup campaign.
Lamouchi had only been appointed in January 2026, taking over after Sami Trabelsi was dismissed following Tunisia’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations outing. Despite Tunisia entering the World Cup with high expectations after a qualifying campaign in which they reportedly did not concede a goal, their opening performance against Sweden exposed major defensive problems as Yasin Ayari scored twice, while Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg also found the net.
Renard arrives with huge experience in African and international football. The Frenchman has previously managed Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, and is widely respected on the continent after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. He also led Saudi Arabia to a famous shock victory over Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further strengthening his reputation as a coach capable of inspiring major tournament performances.
His expected appointment is seen as a bold move by Tunisia, who are hoping his experience, leadership and knowledge of African football can quickly lift the squad after a painful opening defeat.
With Japan and Netherlands still ahead, Renard’s immediate task will be to restore confidence, organize the team and keep Tunisia’s hopes of progressing from the group alive.
