Tunisia have made a dramatic move in the middle of their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, appointing renowned French coach Hervé Renard as head coach until the end of the tournament.
The Tunisian Football Federation announced the decision on Tuesday, just days after mounting pressure on the national team setup following a difficult start to their World Cup journey.
Renard will officially begin his duties immediately, taking charge of the squad from this evening’s training session as Tunisia attempt to revive their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
The appointment represents a significant statement of intent from the federation, which has turned to one of international football’s most experienced tournament managers.
Renard is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in African football history, having guided both Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations triumphs. He also managed Morocco and Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup, earning global recognition after leading Saudi Arabia to their famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at Qatar 2022.
With Tunisia facing a critical period in the competition, federation officials have entrusted the Frenchman with the task of stabilising the squad and maximising their chances in the remaining matches.
According to the federation’s statement, Renard’s appointment will initially run until the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
However, the agreement includes a clause allowing both parties to open negotiations after the tournament regarding a longer-term collaboration. Any future deal will be based on achieving specific sporting objectives and the overall assessment of Tunisia’s World Cup campaign.
The arrangement gives Renard an opportunity to prove his impact immediately while also potentially laying the foundation for a new era for Tunisian football.
The Tunisian Football Federation also confirmed that Renard will be formally introduced to the media during a press briefing scheduled approximately 30 minutes before the team’s next training session.
The event is expected to provide the first opportunity for the 57-year-old coach to outline his plans for the Carthage Eagles and address the challenges facing the team.
The timing of the appointment highlights the urgency within the Tunisian camp following recent struggles at the World Cup.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Renard arrives with a reputation for quickly transforming teams and delivering results on the biggest stages. His experience in pressure-filled international tournaments could prove invaluable as Tunisia seek to recover momentum and remain competitive in the race for a knockout-stage place.
Credit Photo : SAFF
