The 2026 FIFA World Cup has its first managerial casualty. The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi just hours after the Carthage Eagles opened their Group F campaign with a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden at Monterrey Stadium.
The French-born coach, appointed only five months ago in January 2026, departs after just five matches at the helm. Under Lamouchi, Tunisia managed only one victory – a 1-0 friendly win over Haiti – alongside a draw with Canada and defeats to Austria, Belgium (5-0 in a pre-tournament friendly), and now Sweden.
Sweden’s attacking firepower proved overwhelming. Yasin Ayari struck twice (7th, 90+6′), with Alexander Isak (30′), Viktor Gyökeres (59′) and Mattias Svanberg (84′) also finding the net. Omar Rekik scored Tunisia’s sole goal in the 43rd minute.
The defeat was particularly galling as Tunisia had cruised through qualifying without conceding a single goal, winning nine of ten matches. In Monterrey, however, defensive solidity evaporated inside seven minutes. Lamouchi lamented: “It’s a difficult loss. It’s painful. We made way too many mistakes.”
Beyond the result, reports emerged of significant dressing room tension. Lamouchi’s son, who had traveled with the official delegation despite holding no formal role, was allegedly involved in an altercation with a fan after the final whistle. The FTF wasted no time, holding an emergency meeting and announcing Lamouchi’s dismissal via an Instagram statement.
Kebaier Returns for Rescue Mission
The FTF has moved swiftly to appoint Mondher Kebaier as interim head coach for the remainder of the tournament. The 56-year-old is no stranger to the Carthage Eagles, having previously managed Tunisia from 2019 to 2022, leading the team to qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations where they reached the quarter-finals.
Kebaier was already with the squad in Mexico as the federation’s technical director, allowing for a seamless transition. He faces a daunting task: Tunisia, bottom of Group F after the Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2, must now face Japan on 20 June in Monterrey before concluding the group stage against the Netherlands on 25 June in Kansas City.
Chaos Amid World Cup History
This is the second time Tunisia have sacked a head coach in 2026, following the dismissal of Sami Trabelsi after last-16 exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It is also the second time they have dismissed a manager mid-tournament – in 1998, Henryk Kasperczak was fired after losing to England and Colombia without scoring a single goal. Ali Selmi took charge for the final group match, a draw against Romania.
For now, the Carthage Eagles have turned to a familiar face. Whether Kebaier can salvage their campaign remains to be seen – but with the team in disarray, the immediate priority is simply restoring order.
