World Cup 2026: Tunisia dismiss coach Sabri Lamouchi following Sweden rout in opener

Tunisia have become the first team to make a managerial change at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after parting company with head coach Sabri Lamouchi in the aftermath of their crushing defeat to Sweden.

The decision comes less than 48 hours after the Carthage Eagles were dismantled 5-1 by Sweden in their opening Group F fixture, a result that has placed immense pressure on the North Africans heading into the remainder of the tournament.

What was expected to be a competitive start to Tunisia’s World Cup journey quickly turned into a nightmare as Sweden dominated the contest and exposed weaknesses across the pitch. The scale of the defeat left supporters frustrated and reportedly prompted federation officials to reassess the team’s direction.

With the World Cup schedule leaving little room for setbacks, Tunisian football authorities opted for decisive action in a bid to salvage the campaign before it slips further out of reach.

Lamouchi arrived at the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see Tunisia finally make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage. Instead, his tenure has ended abruptly after a performance that raised serious concerns about the team’s preparedness and tactical approach.

The former international coach had overseen Tunisia’s qualification journey and was expected to guide the side through a difficult group, but the heavy defeat proved to be a turning point.

The loss to Sweden has left Tunisia facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.

Not only did they fail to collect points from their opener, but the four-goal margin has also dealt a major blow to their goal difference, which could become a decisive factor later in the group stage.

The Carthage Eagles must now regroup ahead of crucial fixtures against Japan and Netherlands, knowing that anything less than a strong response could bring their World Cup campaign to an early end.

The federation is expected to move swiftly in appointing an interim coach as preparations begin for the next group match.

Whoever steps into the role will inherit a squad wounded by a difficult opening result but still capable of turning its fortunes around. Tunisia possess experienced players and enough quality to challenge their remaining opponents if they can quickly recover their confidence.

For now, however, attention remains on the dramatic coaching change that has made Tunisia the first nation to dismiss its manager at the tournament.

With two matches still to play and qualification hopes still alive, Tunisian officials are gambling that a fresh voice in the dressing room can inspire the response needed to keep their World Cup dream alive.