Hervé Renard named new Tunisia coach after Lamouchi's dismissal

Tunisia announced yesterday the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi, who was fired following the heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their first match of the 2026 World Cup

A rare decision in the midst of a competition, which surprised the football world. To replace Lamouchi, the Tunisian Football Federation has chosen Hervé Renard, a 57-year-old French coach with extensive international experience. The latter, who had managed Saudi Arabia until last April, is now taking charge of his sixth national team after stints with Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Renard, who had been dismissed by Saudi Arabia two months before the World Cup, is returning to a national team bench mid-competition. A situation he is familiar with: in 2014, he had already replaced Lamouchi at the helm of Ivory Coast. His return to the global stage comes with a clear mission: to turn around a struggling Tunisian team after a disastrous start to the tournament. The French coach, accustomed to challenges, will need to quickly find solutions to avoid an early exit. His World Cup experience, including spells with Morocco in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in 2022, could prove decisive. Tunisia, who face Spain on Sunday, is banking on their new coach to bounce back after their historic loss to Sweden. This appointment comes at a time when surprises are common in the World Cup. Renard, known for his pragmatism, will need to demonstrate tactical ingenuity to restore confidence in a team desperate for results. His unconventional career, marked by comebacks after dismissals, could well be an asset for this team seeking redemption.