Herve Renard Appointed by Tunisia After Heavy Defeat to Sweden in World Cup Opener

Key Takeaways:

• Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss against Sweden in their opening World Cup fixture on Sunday in Monterrey
• Herve Renard has been named as Tunisia’s new coach and will assume charge for the remainder of the World Cup
• Under Lamouchi, Tunisia managed only one win from five matches since his January appointment

Management Change After Opening Match Loss

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed that coach Sabri Lamouchi has been relieved of his duties following Tunisia’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in Monterrey during their first World Cup group match on Sunday. Herve Renard, also French, has immediately been installed as head coach, making Lamouchi the first manager to be sacked at this tournament. Lamouchi’s tenure, which commenced in January with a contract running until 2028, comes to an abrupt end with two group matches still remaining – against Japan on Saturday and against the Netherlands on 25 June.

🚨🇫🇷 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Hervé Renard is the new Tunisia manager! 🇹🇳✅

Tunisia's next 2 matches at the World Cup: Japan and Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/ekG8ZvEjTZ

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 16, 2026

Lamouchi’s Short Spell in Charge

Tunisia’s results under Lamouchi have fallen below expectations, with only one victory in five matches. They defeated Haiti 1-0 in March but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Austria and endured a 5-0 thrashing by Belgium in World Cup warm-up fixtures earlier in the month. The FTF announced via social media on Tuesday that Renard will guide the national side for the remainder of their World Cup campaign. The statement also noted that post-tournament discussions are envisaged, stating: “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.”

Renard’s Career Background and Immediate Plans

Television Tunisienne, the country’s state broadcaster, revealed that Renard would arrive in Monterrey later on Tuesday in order to join up with the Tunisian squad. Renard brings considerable experience, having claimed two Africa Cup of Nations titles and notably coached Saudi Arabia during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he orchestrated a celebrated group-stage victory over future champions Argentina. Subsequently, Renard managed the French women’s national side at both the 2023 World Cup and the Paris Olympics, before returning to Saudi Arabia and overseeing the men’s team’s qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. Georgios Donis later replaced him prior to the current tournament.

Upcoming World Cup Fixtures for Tunisia