Tunisia have turned to one of Africa’s most successful coaches in a bid to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, appointing French tactician Herve Renard as head coach following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi.
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed Renard’s appointment on Tuesday after the Carthage Eagles suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening World Cup match.
Renard takes charge with immediate effect and will lead Tunisia for the remainder of the tournament as they fight to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
The 57-year-old arrives with an outstanding reputation on the African continent, having won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. He also guided Morocco and Saudi Arabia at FIFA World Cups, earning worldwide recognition when Saudi Arabia stunned eventual champions Argentina at Qatar 2022.
Tunisia’s federation revealed that Renard accepted the role under the financial terms previously discussed, with talks over a longer-term contract expected after the World Cup should agreed sporting objectives be achieved.
His immediate focus will be preparing Tunisia for crucial Group F encounters against Japan and the Netherlands, fixtures that could determine whether the North Africans remain in contention for a place in the last 16.
A media briefing is expected before Tuesday’s training session, where Renard will address the Tunisian public for the first time since his appointment.
With their World Cup campaign hanging in the balance, Tunisia will hope Renard’s experience, leadership and winning mentality can inspire a dramatic turnaround.