Tunisia Set To Appoint Hervé Renard As New Head Coach After Dismal World Cup Start

Tunisia Set To Appoint Hervé Renard As New Head Coach After Dismal World Cup Start

Sampson Adedeji 

The Tunisia Football Federation is on the verge of appointing veteran French coach Hervé Renard as the new manager of the national team, following the swift dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy opening defeat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Lamouchi was relieved of his duties on Sunday night, just hours after Tunisia suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss to Sweden in their first Group F match. 

The result has raised serious concerns within the federation about the team’s prospects of advancing from the group stage.

Renard, brings a wealth of international experience to the role. He was most recently in charge of Saudi Arabia but was dismissed by the Gulf nation in April. 

During his time with the Green Falcons, he masterminded one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history, guiding Saudi Arabia to a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

After his initial spell with Saudi Arabia, Renard coached the France women’s national team before returning for a second stint with the Saudis. 

He was also linked with a potential takeover of the Côte d’Ivoire national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following the mid-tournament exit of Jean-Louis Gasset, though that move ultimately did not happen.

Should the appointment be confirmed, Renard will inherit a Tunisia side in urgent need of a turnaround. 

The Carthage Eagles still face demanding fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands in Group F, with their hopes of reaching the knockout stages very much alive but under pressure.

The Tunisia Football Federation is expected to issue an official announcement regarding Renard’s appointment in the coming days.