Tunisia changes its national team coach mid-2026 World Cup. After a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F match, the Tunisian national team terminated the contract of Sabri LamouchiAppointed in January, with a contract initially planned until 2028, the former coach of Rennes, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff leaves the post after only a few months and just one match in this World Cup.
Renard takes over from this Tuesday
Hervé Renard is arriving to succeed him. The French coach is expected to officially take up his duties with the Carthage Eagles this Tuesday. The Tunisian Football Federation has also decided to terminate the contracts of the technical staff that accompanied Sabri Lamouchi, while retaining Wahbi Khazri on the coaching staff. Renard will be assisted by a goalkeeping coach and a performance analyst of his own choosing.
A fifth African selection for Renard
At 57, Hervé Renard returns to familiar territory. Before Tunisia, he had already managed Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, and Morocco. Tunisia thus becomes his fifth African national team. His continental career is highlighted by two Africa Cup of Nations titles: in 2012 with Zambia, and then in 2015 with Ivory Coast.
An already impressive global CV
Renard also managed Morocco at the 2018 World Cup, then Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, culminating in a resounding victory against Argentina in the group stage. He then took charge of the French women's national team before returning to the Saudi Arabian bench, which he left in April 2026.
Tunisia with their backs against the wall in Group F
The mission is immediate. After their 5-1 defeat against Sweden, Tunisia has zero points and a goal difference of -4. In the other Group F match, the Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2. The Eagles of Carthage still have to face Japan on June 20 in Guadalupe, then the Netherlands on June 25 in Kansas City.
Two matches to save the World Cup
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup leaves one door open: the top two teams from each group qualify, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Tunisia therefore remains mathematically in contention, but has no room for error. Renard inherits a heavily defeated team, a revamped coaching staff, and a tight schedule. His first objective is clear: to get Tunisia back on track before Japan. A mission that seems daunting indeed…
