Tunisia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has been thrown into fresh turmoil after reports emerged that head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been dismissed following the team’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture.
According to multiple reports, including information relayed by The Guardian and New York Times journalist Romain Molina, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) reached the decision after holding an emergency meeting in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
The heavy loss to Sweden appears to have been the final blow for a coaching reign that had already come under increasing pressure following a string of disappointing performances.
Tunisia entered the tournament seeking to build momentum after securing qualification, but warning signs had already emerged during their World Cup preparations. The Eagles of Carthage suffered a damaging 5-0 defeat to Belgium in their final pre-tournament friendly, raising concerns about the team’s defensive vulnerability ahead of the competition.
Sweden raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour through Yasin Ayari and Alexander Isak before Omar Rekik briefly gave Tunisia hope with a goal before halftime. Any hopes of a second half response quickly evaporated as Viktor Gyökeres, Mattias Svanberg and Ayari’s second goal completed a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Graham Potter’s side.
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The former Ivory Coast international had only been appointed after Tunisia’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, replacing Sami Trabelsi following the nation’s round of 16 exit.
His tenure ultimately lasted just five matches. Lamouchi began positively with a 1-0 victory over Haiti but results quickly deteriorated afterwards. Tunisia managed just one goal across their next four matches, drawing 0-0 with Canada before suffering successive defeats against Austria, Belgium and Sweden.
The statistics paint a concerning picture. After scoring in his first game in charge, Tunisia failed to find any attacking rhythm, while conceding 11 goals in their final three matches under his leadership.
Attention will now turn to who takes charge of the team for what has effectively become a must-win encounter against Japan on June 20.
Several names have already emerged in early reports. Former Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri has reportedly been mentioned as a possible candidate, while Mondher Kebaier, who guided the national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is also being linked with a return.
Whoever eventually takes over will inherit a side under immense pressure.
Tunisia have not won their opening World Cup match since 1978, and after conceding five goals against Sweden, their margin for error in Group F has virtually disappeared. Another defeat against Japan would leave the Eagles of Carthage on the brink of elimination.
