Twist of fate: Renard's second World Cup life with Tunisia
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 19:15
After qualifying Saudi Arabia and losing his job before the World Cup, the 57-year-old has returned to replace Sabri Lamouchi as an emergency appointment
The World Cup was not supposed to feature Herve Renard.
A few months after being dismissed by Saudi Arabia despite leading the Green Falcons to qualification, the veteran French coach appeared destined to watch football's biggest tournament from afar. Instead, fate has handed him an unexpected return.
Tunisia have officially appointed Renard as their new head coach in the middle of the World Cup, tasking the 57-year-old with rescuing a campaign that had barely begun before descending into chaos.
Renard replaces Sabri Lamouchi, who was dismissed after just one match in charge at the tournament following Tunisia's crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden. According to reports, the result was only part of the problem, with tensions reportedly growing between Lamouchi, federation officials and members of the squad during his brief tenure.
With the Eagles of Carthage in crisis, the Tunisian Football Federation moved swiftly and turned to one of international football's most experienced tournament specialists.
Renard arrived at Tunisia's base in Mexico on Tuesday, immediately before taking charge of his first training session ahead of the crucial group-stage clash against Japan.
For the Frenchman, the appointment marks yet another extraordinary chapter in a coaching career that has become closely intertwined with the World Cup.
Tunisia will be the third different men's national team he has managed at the tournament. He previously led Morocco at the 2018 World Cup in Russia before taking charge of Saudi Arabia four years later.
AFCON countries when they need a manager: pic.twitter.com/p9JyzYZE8m
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) June 16, 2026
It was in Qatar that Renard authored one of the most memorable upsets in World Cup history, guiding Saudi Arabia to a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in their opening group match. Although the Saudis ultimately failed to reach the knockout rounds, the result cemented Renard's reputation as one of international football's great motivators.
Former Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri, who served as Lamouchi's assistant, will remain on the coaching staff to assist the transition.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
Monday, 15.06.
Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)
/Diallo 90/
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/
Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0
Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)
/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/
Tuesday 16.06.
Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)
/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/
Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)
/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/
France - Senegal 3-1 (0-0)
/Mbappe 66, 90+6 Barcola 82 - Mbaye 90+5/
Wednesday
Iraq - Norway 1-3 (1-2)
/Hussein 39 - Haaland 29, 43 Ostigard 76/
Argentina - Algeria 3-0 (1-0)
/Messi 17, 60, 76/
Austria - Jordan 3-1 (1-0)
/Schmid 21, Al-Arab 76 og, Arnautovic 90+12 pen - Olwan 50/
20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)
Thursday
02.00: (2.25) Ghana (3.20) Panama (3.40)
05.00: (8.50) Uzbekistan (4.50) Colombia (1.42)
19.00: (1.80) Czech R. (3.50) S.Africa (4.70)
22.00: (1.65) Switzerland (3.60) B&H (5.80)
***odds are subject to change***