FIFA World Cup 2026: Tunisia Sack Head Coach Sabri Lamouchi After 5-1 Drubbing Against Sweden In WC Opener

Tunisia have reportedly dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup. The result has intensified scrutiny on the Tunisian Football Federation, with the team’s form dipping sharply just as the tournament began.

According to reports from journalist Romain Molina, the federation held an emergency meeting soon after the loss and decided to end Lamouchi’s brief spell in charge. The defeat to Sweden followed another damaging result, a 5-0 loss to Belgium in Tunisia’s final warm-up match before the competition.

Sabri Lamouchi’s short Tunisia spell ends abruptly

Lamouchi, 54, had only recently taken over after Sami Trabelsi was removed following Tunisia’s round-of-16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations. His tenure lasted just five matches, beginning with a 1-0 win over Haiti before results quickly turned against the Eagles of Carthage.

After that opening victory, Tunisia struggled badly in attack. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Canada and then lost to Austria, Belgium and Sweden. Across those four matches, Tunisia managed only one goal, raising serious concerns over their organisation and attacking output.

The timing of the decision leaves Tunisia facing major uncertainty during the World Cup itself. Reports have already mentioned possible replacements, with former Sunderland forward Wahbi Khazri and Mondher Kebaier among the names being discussed. Kebaier previously led Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Tunisia face Japan next

Tunisia’s next World Cup fixture is against Japan on Saturday, June 20, with the match scheduled for Sunday, June 21 at 06:00 CEST. The federation now has little time to settle the squad and clarify the coaching situation before a crucial second group match.

For Tunisia, the immediate priority will be restoring confidence after the heavy defeat against Sweden. Whether under an interim coach or a permanent replacement, the team needs a quick response to keep its World Cup campaign alive.