Herve Renard Departs Tunisia After 18-day World Cup Spell

Herve Renard has stepped down as Tunisia head coach after just 18 days in charge, leaving soon after the team’s group-stage World Cup exit. Renard joined during the tournament but could not change results, and Tunisia finished bottom of Group F with three heavy defeats.

The French coach, who previously won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, had taken over the Tunisia job on 16 June. Renard was brought in as an emergency replacement once Tunisia’s World Cup campaign had already begun.

Renard’s appointment followed a 5-1 loss to Sweden in Tunisia’s opening Group F match, which led to Sabri Lamouchi being dismissed. Lamouchi had only been named coach in January, after Sami Trabelsi left the role, and became the first manager sacked after one World Cup game.

Results did not improve under Renard. Tunisia were beaten 4-0 by Japan and then 3-1 by the Netherlands, ending the group with three defeats. Across those fixtures, Tunisia conceded 12 goals, highlighting defensive problems that persisted regardless of the coaching changes made during the tournament.

The 12 goals conceded in the group phase matched the most by any team at a World Cup since North Korea in 2010, who also allowed 12. It was also the highest overall total at a single tournament since Brazil let in 14 across seven matches in 2014.

When Renard accepted the position, Tunisia officials had mentioned an option to extend his contract beyond the World Cup. That idea is now off the table, as Renard has confirmed that the short spell is over and will not continue into future qualifiers or regional competitions.

Renard announced the decision through social media. "My journey comes to an end, Renard wrote on his Instagram story on Saturday. Before I leave, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the FTF for giving me the opportunity to participate in the World Cup. It was an honour to wear Tunisia's colours and to live this unforgettable experience."

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has not yet released an official statement, but must now search for a new technical leader. Once Renard’s exit is confirmed, the Eagles of Carthage will be appointing their eighth head coach since the start of 2024, underlining a period of constant change.