Renard’s first comment on taking over as coach of the Tunisian national team

Tunisia’s football federation has officially announced the appointment of France’s Herve Renard as the new national team coach, replacing Sabri Lamouchi, in an emergency move after the Carthage Eagles’ 2026 World Cup opener suffered a brutal 5-1 defeat to Sweden.

The decision comes in an urgent attempt to restore balance to the squad ahead of a crucial clash against Japan that will decide the team’s fate in the tournament.

Renard is due to arrive in Mexico next Tuesday to lead the team’s first training session in preparation for the upcoming clash against Japan.

According to the French “RMC Sport”, the 57-year-old coach agreed to take over the job until the end of the tournament after quick negotiations by the president of the Tunisian federation.

Renard thus enters his third consecutive World Cup attempt after leading the Saudi Arabian national team in 2022 to a historic 1-2 victory over Argentina.

Renard is known for his expertise in emergency situations as he has coached several African teams and achieved notable success, most notably winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2015.

The Tunisian federation will be hoping to capitalize on its extensive experience to rebalance the squad ahead of the crucial clash against Japan, which drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in its opening game.

Renard said in a short statement that before arriving in Paris from Dakar before leaving for Monterrey. “You don’t have to think too much… It’s a fresh start and a quick challenge.”

Taking charge of the national team at the World Cup is a rare occurrence, but Renard, known for his motivational speeches and tough personality, seems ready to take on this unusual challenge. All eyes remain on Monterrey as the French coach begins his new mission at one of the most sensitive moments in Tunisian football history.