Tunisia sack manager Sabri Lamouchi just one match into 2026 World Cup following heavy Sweden defeat

React to this story

Tunisia have sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi after being thrashed 5-1 by Sweden in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup, the Tunisian football federation has announced.

'We now move on' - Netherlands skipper Van Dijk unpacks 'disappointing' draw against Japan

Video credit: SNTV

A statement read: ”An agreement has been officially reached ⁠to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouchi. Plans are under way ‌to appoint ‌Mondher Kebaier as the national team ‌coach [on an interim basis].”

The Eagles of Carthage qualified for the World Cup without conceding a goal, but were heavily defeated in their opening match at the tournament.

That result has seen the Tunisian FA take swift action by dismissing former Nottingham Forest boss and France international Lamouchi.

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

Yesterday at 16:49

Lamouchi was appointed in January following Tunisia’s exit at the Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage.

He started with a 1-0 friendly win over Haiti, but then failed to win another game, drawing with Canada before losing to Austria, Belgium and their World Cup opener against Sweden.

Tunisia had qualified for the World Cup in impressive fashion, topping their group after winning nine of 10 games - scoring 22 goals in the process.

Lamouchi was not in charge for any of the qualification campaign, which ran from November 2023 to October 2025.

He was only appointed early in 2026 to replace Sami Trabelsi, who had been in the job for a year, and his record as he leaves the role after five matches is one win, one draw and three defeats.

Lamouchi said the heavy loss to Sweden was tough to swallow.

”It’s a difficult loss. It’s painful. Starting the competition with this bad of a loss is indeed difficult,” he said. "With world-class players that we have in the two Swedish forwards [Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres], it's something that you don't recover from.

"We made way too many mistakes... We have our pride. We need to react. We need to give a better image."

Talks are ongoing to appoint Kebaier as Lamouchi’s replacement, with Tunisia preparing for their second match of the tournament against Japan on Sunday, June 21. Their Group F campaign concludes with a clash against Netherlands on Friday, June 26.

- - -

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

World Cup

'My time has passed' - Neymar says Brazil career is over

29/07/2026 at 20:47

Related Matches

Sweden

Tunisia