Tunisia fired the head coach Sabri Lamouchi after the country’s disappointing start 2026 FIFA World Cupwhere the Eagles of Carthage suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening Group F game.
The decision came after an emergency meeting of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), according to multiple reports, bringing Lamouchi’s short tenure at the helm to an abrupt end.
A short reign comes to an early end
Lamouchi, 54, was appointed earlier this year following the sacking of former coach Sami Trabelsi following Tunisia’s exit in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the former representative of the Ivory Coast lasted only five games at the helm. Although he started his tenure with a 1-0 win over Haiti, the results quickly deteriorated.
Tunisia did not score in a goalless draw with Canada before suffering back-to-back defeats to Austria, Belgium and Sweden. A 5-0 loss to Belgium in their final World Cup warm-up game has already increased the pressure on the coaching staff.
The crushing defeat to Sweden proved to be the final blow, with confederation officials reportedly deciding a change was necessary to revive Tunisia’s campaign.
Attention is focused on replacement
Reports have linked several suitors with the vacancy as Tunisia struggle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Former Tunisian captain and former Sunderland winger Wahbi Khazri has emerged as one of the possible options, while former coach Mondher Kebaier is also being considered.
Kebaier previously managed Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and remains a well-known figure within the confederation.
Tunisia’s current focus will now be on their next Group F game against Japan on June 20.
After conceding five goals in their first game, the North Africans face a tough challenge to revive their tournament and avoid early relegation.
The federation is expected to announce a temporary or permanent replacement soon.
