Tunisia appoints Herve Renard as new head coach after sacking Sabri Lamouchi

Tunisia have made a dramatic coaching change just days into their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointing experienced French manager Hervé Renard in a bid to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

The decision comes in the aftermath of Tunisia's crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture, a result that left the North African nation facing an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Lamouchi's tenure proved to be a short-lived one. The former France international had only been appointed in January but paid the price for Tunisia's disappointing start to the tournament. The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed his departure on Tuesday before announcing Renard as his immediate replacement.

Renard arrives with one of the most impressive resumes in international football. The Frenchman is widely respected for his success on the African continent, having guided Zambia to a historic Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2012 before repeating the feat with Ivory Coast in 2015. His experience also includes leading Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and masterminding Saudi Arabia's famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 tournament.

The 57-year-old's appointment reflects Tunisia's determination to rescue their campaign despite the difficult situation they find themselves in. The Carthage Eagles still have two crucial group matches remaining, beginning with a showdown against Japan on Saturday before concluding their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands on June 25.

Tunisia's latest coaching shake-up is not without precedent. During the 1998 World Cup, the federation dismissed Polish coach Henryk Kasperczak after defeats to England and Colombia ended the team's hopes of qualification before their final group match.

Now, all eyes will be on Renard as he attempts to inspire an immediate turnaround. With Tunisia still searching for a first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, the experienced Frenchman has been handed one of the toughest challenges of his coaching career, but also an opportunity to write another remarkable chapter in his international football journey.