In a stunning turn of events, acclaimed journalist Romain Molina has confirmed that the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has reached an agreement with Hervé Renard to become the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles, succeeding the recently dismissed Sabri Lamouchi.
Tunisia took the drastic decision to sack Lamouchi following a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, leaving less than a week before their crucial Group H clash against Japan.
Initial Tunisian media reports suggested that Mondher Kebaier, who previously managed the national team from 2019 to 2022, would take over on a temporary basis for the remaining two World Cup matches. However, FTF officials launched swift negotiations with Renard, who accepted the position on the condition of a long-term project rather than a short-term interim role.
A High-Stakes Challenge for the African Specialist
The FTF is set to entrust their rebuilding process to Renard, a legendary figure in African and Arabic football, who has accepted a highly risky challenge at an incredibly critical time.
Nevertheless, Molina noted that given the unprecedented administrative chaos within the Tunisian federation, unexpected twists could occur in the coming hours, and the deal could still collapse. As of right now, however, the French tactician remains the frontrunner.
Renard’s Remarkable World Cup Trilogy: Renard was originally supposed to lead Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup, but the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) dismissed him just two months before the tournament due to poor performances over the past year.
Having previously managed Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and Saudi Arabia in 2022, Renard is now on the verge of making his third consecutive World Cup appearance, this time in the dugout of Tunisia.
