The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially appointed French coach Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Tunisia national team, replacing Sabri Lamouchi, who was sacked following a humiliating 5-1 World Cup 2026 defeat to Sweden. Renard will coach the team until the end of the 2026 World Cup tournament, beginning his duties immediately as of June 15, 2026.
Tunisia Names Hervé Renard as Sabri Lamouchi’s Replacement
Tunisia fired head coach Sabri Lamouchi just one game into the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their opening match disaster. The North African side suffered a crushing 5-1 loss to Sweden in Monterrey, Mexico, prompting the federation to make an immediate coaching change.
“The Federation Tunisienne de Football announces the appointment of Herve Renard as coach of the national team until the end of the 2026 World Cup, to continue his duties starting this evening, with the same financial privileges,” the FTF confirmed on its official Instagram page.
This decision marks one of the most dramatic coaching changes in World Cup history, with Lamouchi dismissed after just a single match.
Why Tunisia Chose Hervé Renard
Tunisia selected Hervé Renard primarily due to his exceptional track record in African football, particularly his two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victories with different countries. The FTF sought a coach with proven success in African international football who could quickly stabilize the team during their World Cup campaign.
Key reasons for Renard’s selection:
Renard is the only coach to have won the AFCON title twice with different nations, making him uniquely qualified for Tunisia’s situation.
Hervé Renard’s Impressive Coaching CV
Hervé Renard brings a 23-year coaching career spanning both club and international football across Europe and Africa. His most notable achievements include:
Major Trophies Won
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2012 AFCON Champion with Zambia (their first ever title)
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2015 AFCON Champion with the Ivory Coast
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2013 COSAFA Cup with Zambia (minor trophy)
International Teams Managed
Renard has coached 13 sides at club and international level since 1999:
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Zambia (2008–2010, 2011–2012) – AFCON 2012 winner
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Ivory Coast (2014–2015) – AFCON 2015 winner
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Morocco (2016–2018) – Qualified for the 2018 World Cup
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Saudi Arabia (2019–2023) – 18 wins, qualified for 2022 World Cup
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France Women (2023–present) – Leading at 2023 Women’s World Cup
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Tunisia (June 2026–present) – Current appointment
World Cup Highlights
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Led Morocco to their first World Cup appearance in 20 years (2018)
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Saudi Arabia’s historic opening match victory against Argentina (2022) – their first World Cup opening win
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First coach to lead teams at two different men’s and women’s World Cups in the same year
Hervé Renard Contract Details and Start Date
The Tunisian Football Federation announced Renard’s contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Contract Key Details:
Renard will officially commence his duties starting June 15, 2026, taking charge immediately after Lamouchi’s dismissal. The contract is temporary, covering only the remainder of Tunisia’s World Cup campaign.
Hervé Renard’s Tactical Style and Philosophy
Renard’s coaching philosophy centers on risk-free football with strong possession control and tactical discipline.
Key Tactical Characteristics:
Experts describe Renard’s tactics as “bold and audacious,” particularly evident in his strategic approach against Argentina in 2022. His stubbornness in sticking to his style, regardless of opponent size, reflects his belief in himself and his players.
Renard wants players to use space quickly, play through opponents with short passes, and make direct forward passes at the right moment. Defensively, he sets up with five defensive-minded players back in a pentagon shape to protect against counter-attacks.
Key Facts and Important Updates
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Date of Appointment: June 15, 2026 (official announcement)
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Previous Coach: Sabri Lamouchi (fired after 1 match)
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Reason for Sacking: 5-1 World Cup defeat to Sweden in opening match
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Contract Duration: Until the end of the 2026 World Cup
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Start Date: June 15, 2026 (immediate)
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Renard’s AFCON Record: Two-time winner with different countries (Zambia 2012, Ivory Coast 2015)
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Current Location: World Cup 2026 in Mexico/USA/Canada
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Tournament Status: Tunisia needs to recover from the opening match loss
FAQ
Who is Tunisia’s new head coach in 2026?
Hervé Renard is Tunisia’s new head coach, appointed on June 15, 2026, replacing Sabri Lamouchi.
Why was Sabri Lamouchi fired by Tunisia?
Lamouchi was sacked after Tunisia’s 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening 2026 World Cup match.
How long is Hervé Renard’s contract with Tunisia?
Renard’s contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
When did Hervé Renard start as Tunisia’s coach?
Renard began his duties on June 15, 2026, starting “this evening” after the official announcement.
What are Hervé Renard’s biggest coaching achievements?
Renard won AFCON 2012 with Zambia and AFCON 2015 with the Ivory Coast, becoming the only coach to win AFCON twice with different nations. He also masterminded Saudi Arabia’s historic 2022 World Cup victory over Argentina.
What tactical style does Hervé Renard use?
Renard employs “risk-free football” with high possession (averaging 63.7%), high pressing, and a 4-1-4-1 defensive formation.
Has Hervé Renard coached at the World Cup before?
Yes, Renard led Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, where they beat Argentina.
Also Read | Sabri Lamouchi Sacked Tunisia: Coach Fired After 5-1 World Cup Loss
Last Updated on June 16, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
