Tunisia have dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following the Carthage Eagles’ crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure from supporters and football authorities after Tunisia’s alarming defensive collapse, which saw the North Africans concede five goals in a World Cup match for the first time in their history.
Lamouchi’s position had come under intense scrutiny in recent months, but the humiliating loss to Sweden proved to be the final straw. Tunisia struggled throughout the contest, looking vulnerable at the back and unable to cope with Sweden’s attacking intensity as the Europeans ran riot.
In an effort to revive the team’s campaign, the Tunisian Football Federation has moved swiftly to appoint former national team boss Mondher Kebaier as interim manager for the remainder of the tournament.
Kebaier, who previously guided Tunisia to the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to take charge immediately as the Carthage Eagles attempt to salvage their World Cup hopes.
The coaching change leaves Tunisia facing a daunting challenge in Group F, where every remaining match has now become crucial. Kebaier’s first task will be restoring confidence within a squad shaken by the heavy defeat while tightening a defence that was exposed repeatedly against Sweden.
Tunisia’s next World Cup fixture has now taken on even greater significance, with the new coach expected to oversee an immediate response as the Carthage Eagles fight to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The North Africans currently sit bottom of Group F after the opening round of matches, and only a dramatic turnaround under Kebaier will keep their dream of reaching the knockout stages alive. Fans will be hoping the managerial chang
