Tunisia have officially appointed French tactician Herve Renard as the new head coach of the national team following their disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed Renard’s appointment on Tuesday, barely 24 hours after the dismissal of former coach Sabri Lamouchi. The decision comes in the wake of Tunisia’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture.
Renard now takes charge ahead of Tunisia’s crucial remaining group matches against Japan on June 20 and Netherlands on June 25, with the North Africans needing positive results to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The 57-year-old arrives with a wealth of international experience and an impressive record in African football.
Renard remains the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries — guiding Zambia to a historic triumph in 2012 before leading Ivory Coast to continental glory in 2015.
Renard also earned global recognition during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when he masterminded Saudi Arabia’s famous group-stage victory over eventual champions Argentina.
His coaching career has included spells with several clubs and national teams, notably managing Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — their first appearance at the tournament in 20 years — as well as a stint with the French women’s national team.
Renard’s immediate task will be to restore confidence and stability within the Tunisian squad after their heavy opening defeat.
With no points from their first match, Tunisia face a difficult path in Group F and must produce strong performances in their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of qualification.
The appointment underlines Tunisia’s determination to revive their World Cup campaign by turning to one of Africa’s most accomplished and experienced football managers.
