Tunisia Act Swiftly After World Cup Setback

After just five months in charge, Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked as manager of the Tunisian national team mid-tournament at the 2026 World Cup.

On 15 June, Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden in Tunisia’s opening group-stage match early that morning in Guadalupe, Mexico.

The decision was likely not made on one performance, however, as Tunisia were defeated 5–0 by Belgium in Brussels in their last international friendly before heading to the tournament. Furthermore, reports have suggested that fights broke out within the Tunisian camp, even involving supporters.

This brings Lamouchi’s record with the Eagles of Carthage to one win (against Haiti), three draws, and two defeats.

In a statement, the Tunisian Football Federation announced his dismissal on Instagram, stating: “An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouchi.

The post went on to explain that: “Plans are under way to appoint Mondher Kebaier as coach of the national team.”

Kebaier is a former manager of the national side, having led the team from 2019 to 2022, and is expected to take the role on an interim basis only.

Reports Of Internal Tensions Add To Pressure

The shocking decision made by the Tunisian FA may have gone beyond two bad results, as rumours have emerged that fights broke out within the camp.

Today, the Daily Mail have reported that Tunisian radio station Mosaique FM claimed that "Tunisian delegation chiefs requested an emergency meeting to discuss Lamouchi’s future."

According to witnesses at Tunisia’s team hotel, speaking on air to Mosaique FM, a “fight” is said to have broken out between a supporter and Lamouchi’s son prior to the match against Sweden.

Even if the details currently remain speculative, journalists are understood to have raised questions over the alleged incident and Lamouchi’s son’s involvement. When asked about his presence, Sabri Lamouchi reportedly responded post-match: “He’s working on his thesis, he has no official role.”

“And right now, as we speak, he’s not here; he’s feeling awkward. You think I will answer questions about what is said on social media?” he added, without confirming whether any incident had taken place.

True or not, it has added another layer to the circumstances surrounding Lamouchi’s swift dismissal.

Rare World Cup Sackings And Tunisia's Next Challenge

Although not unprecedented, it has historically been rare for managers to be dismissed during an international tournament.

Amazingly, Tunisia had also let go of manager Henryk Kasperczak two matches into the 1998 World Cup after two defeats, ending his first stint as Tunisia boss - before he eventually returned in 2015.

Elsewhere, examples include Cha Bum-kun, who was South Korea manager at the 1998 World Cup and replaced during the tournament after a 5-0 defeat to the Netherlands, and Raymond Domenech with France in 2010, who was effectively stripped of his duties amid disastrous group-stage performances and squad turmoil.

Additionally, even if it came just days before the tournament, Julen Lopetegui was dismissed by Spain in 2018 after it was revealed he had agreed to join Real Madrid following the competition.

Regardless, Tunisia will remain in Guadalupe to face Japan before travelling to Kansas City to take on the Netherlands in their upcoming Group F matches.

Having never previously reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, the Eagles of Carthage at this stage appear down and out again to neutrals, with uncertainty still surrounding the camp, a turnaround would feel like a footballing miracle.