The Tunisian national team decided to switch gears right in the middle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a difficult start to the tournament and a string of negative results, the Tunisian Football Federation turned to the experience of Hervé Renard to lead the squad for the remainder of the competition.

The French manager takes over from Sabri Lamouchi, who lost the backing of the board following a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their World Cup opener. Days prior, the African side had also been outplayed by Belgium in a warm-up friendly, a situation that accelerated the decision to make a change on the bench.

Renard, 57, is one of the most highly recognized managers in international football due to his track record with national teams. His name was etched into recent World Cup history thanks to Saudi Arabia’s shocking victory over Argentina in Qatar 2022, considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of the tournament.

The Frenchman also boasts extensive experience in Africa, where he managed Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, and Morocco. He also had a stint with the France women's national team and various European clubs, consolidating a career defined by his ability to compete in high-pressure scenarios.

Now, the challenge is immediate. Tunisia needs a swift reaction to keep their qualification hopes alive, and their upcoming fixture against Japan shapes up as an early, make-or-break final. Renard will have only a few days to work with the squad, but his proven track record in major tournaments fuels hopes of a turnaround. The French manager's mission will be to restore confidence within the group and prove that there is still room for the Carthage Eagles to keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live and for free on YouTube