Tunisia has sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening World Cup 2026 match. The Frenchman’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement, and the Tunisian Football Association announced that former Morocco and Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard would take charge until the end of the tournament.
Lamouchi’s tenure began in January, replacing Sami Trabelsi who left following a last‑16 loss to Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations. In his first five games in charge, the coach managed only a single 1-0 victory over Haiti, and his side suffered a 1-0 loss to Austria and a 5-0 defeat to Belgium in warm‑up matches.
Sweden’s 5-1 rout marked Tunisia’s worst opening in modern World Cup history and the most abrupt coaching change on record. Lamouchi had expressed regret for the loss, describing it as “painful” and citing mistakes that did “not allow us to compete”.
Renard’s appointment is significant, as he brings experience from leading national teams in Morocco and Saudi Arabia. He will guide Tunisia against remaining Group F opponents Japan and the Netherlands, offering a fresh approach as the tournament progresses.
Historically, coaches have been dismissed after poor performance in World Cups, but Lamouchi’s firing after a single match marks the first time a manager has lost his job following 2026’s opening game. This event underscores the high stakes and rapid decision-making in international football.
