Tunisia have reportedly become the first nation to sack their manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following the team’s humiliating defeat to Sweden.
Multiple reports, including claims from journalist Romain Molina, suggest the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) decided to part ways with Lamouchi after holding an emergency meeting in the aftermath of Tunisia’s crushing 5-1 loss in their opening Group F fixture.
The heavy defeat was the latest setback in a worrying run of results that has seen confidence around the national team collapse ahead of a crucial stage in the tournament.
Before arriving at the World Cup, Tunisia were thrashed 5-0 by Belgium in their final warm-up match and had struggled to find any attacking rhythm under Lamouchi.
The 54-year-old’s tenure ultimately lasted just five matches.
He began his spell in charge with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti, but Tunisia managed only one goal in the four games that followed. A goalless draw against Canada was followed by defeats to Austria, Belgium and Sweden, with the Eagles of Carthage conceding 11 goals across their final three matches.
The disappointing run reportedly convinced federation officials that immediate action was required to salvage Tunisia’s World Cup campaign.
Attention has now turned to potential replacements.
Former Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri has emerged as one of the names being discussed, while former national team coach Mondher Kebaier is also reportedly under consideration. Kebaier previously guided Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and remains a respected figure within Tunisian football.
The timing of the dismissal leaves Tunisia facing a race against the clock ahead of their next World Cup fixture.
The North African side are due to face Japan on June 21 in a match that could prove decisive for their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Lamouchi was appointed earlier this year following the dismissal of Sami Trabelsi, who left his position after Tunisia’s disappointing round-of-16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City manager arrived with hopes of rejuvenating the squad, but results quickly turned against him.
Now Tunisia must attempt to revive their World Cup hopes under new leadership after a disastrous start to the tournament that has already claimed its first managerial casualty.
