Tunisia have taken the drastic decision to part ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a humiliating 5–1 loss to Sweden in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup.
The decision, confirmed by the Tunisian Football Federation on national television, means Lamouchi becomes the first manager in World Cup history to be sacked after only one game in charge.
According to the federation president Moez Nassari, an agreement has already been reached with French coach Hervé Renard, who will lead the team for the remainder of the tournament.
“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach Hervé Renard for him to take charge of the national football team until the end of the 2026 World Cup,” the national broadcaster reported.
Sabri Lamouchi, 54, had only been appointed in January and managed just five matches in charge of the North African side. His only victory came in a narrow 1–0 win over Haiti, but the heavy defeat to Sweden proved decisive in ending his short tenure.
The result has left Tunisia facing a difficult path in Group F as they aim to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. They now prepare for a crucial clash against Japan before a final group match against the Netherlands.
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Renard, known for masterminding Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, is expected to bring immediate tactical discipline and stability to the squad as Tunisia attempt to salvage their tournament campaign.
Lamouchi’s dismissal marks one of the fastest managerial changes in World Cup history, underlining the pressure national teams face on football’s biggest stage.
