Renard returns to World Cup stage with Tunisia

Tunisia have appointed experienced French coach Hervé Renard as their new head coach until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dismissing Sabri Lamouchi following the team's heavy opening defeat.

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, just one day after parting ways with Lamouchi, whose side suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss to Sweden in their first World Cup match.

According to the FTF, the 57-year-old Renard will lead the national team for the remainder of the tournament, with discussions over a longer-term contract to be held after the World Cup based on sporting objectives and performance.

State broadcaster Télévision Tunisienne reported that Renard was expected to arrive at Tunisia's base camp in Monterrey, Mexico, later on Tuesday and immediately begin work with the squad.

Renard is regarded as one of Africa's most successful international coaches. He guided Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 and repeated the feat with Ivory Coast in 2015.

The Frenchman earned global recognition during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when his Saudi Arabia side stunned eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening group-stage match.

He later coached the France women's national team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the Paris Olympics before returning to Saudi Arabia, where he played a key role in helping the team qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. However, he lost his position shortly before the tournament.

Renard takes charge of a Tunisia side struggling for form. Under former coach Lamouchi, the Eagles of Carthage lost four of their last five matches, including conceding five goals against Belgium in a friendly and another five against Sweden in their World Cup opener.

TZ