Tunisia have turned to experienced French coach Hervé Renard in a bid to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive after a heavy opening defeat.
The North African side suffered a 5 to 1 loss to Sweden in their first match. That result pushed the Tunisian football federation to act quickly, ending Sabri Lamouchi’s short spell in charge. The decision made Tunisia the first team in this tournament cycle to change head coach after just one game.
Despite the setback, Tunisia are still in the race to qualify from Group F. The expanded 48 team World Cup format keeps their hopes alive, but the margin for error is now very small. Renard will need immediate impact when he takes charge against Japan on Sunday at 04:00 BST.
Why Tunisia chose Hervé Renard
Renard brings strong World Cup experience. He has managed at the tournament with both Morocco in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in 2022. His Saudi team produced one of the biggest shocks of that World Cup by beating Argentina in the group stage, even after conceding first to Lionel Messi’s side.
That record is a major reason Tunisia turned to him at this critical moment. The federation sees him as a coach who can quickly stabilise a struggling squad and restore confidence.
Renard said he accepted the role without hesitation after being approached.
He described the job as difficult but motivating, showing belief in the challenge ahead.
High pressure start against Japan
Renard does not have much time to prepare. His first match in charge comes almost immediately, and it carries serious weight for Tunisia’s qualification hopes.
A positive result against Japan could revive their campaign. Another defeat would leave them in a very difficult position in Group F.
Renard’s reputation and challenges
Renard is known for his calm but intense touchline presence and his trademark white shirts. He has built a reputation for getting strong performances from underdog teams on the world stage.
However, turning Tunisia around mid tournament is a different kind of test. He must fix defensive issues, rebuild team confidence, and improve results in a short period.
