2026 World Cup: Tunisia Confirm Appointment Of Hervé Renard As New Head Coach

Tunisia have appointed experienced French coach Hervé Renard as head coach for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after the country’s opening defeat to Sweden.

The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed the decision earlier today, June 16, moving swiftly to reshape the team’s fortunes ahead of a crucial second Group match against Japan on Saturday.

Renard, who previously managed Saudi Arabia and Morocco, will take charge immediately. The federation said he would begin work on Tuesday evening under the same financial terms already agreed.

In a statement, the federation announced: “The Tunisian Football Federation announces the appointment of Hervé Renard as head coach of the national team through the end of the 2026 World Cup. He will assume his duties this evening under the same financial terms.”

The federation added that discussions over a longer-term arrangement would be postponed until after Tunisia’s World Cup campaign.

“The agreement also stipulates that negotiations regarding long-term cooperation, based on specific sporting objectives, will commence following the team’s World Cup campaign,” the statement said.

A press briefing with Renard is scheduled to take place at the team’s training base 30 minutes before the start of training.

Naija News reports that the coaching change follows growing disappointment after Tunisia’s defeat to Sweden in their opening fixture, a result that immediately placed pressure on Lamouchi.

Confirming his departure, the federation said: “An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouch.”

The North Africans face Japan this weekend before concluding their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands, with qualification hopes hanging in the balance.