Tunisia hires Herve Renard to replace fired coach at World Cup

TUNIS, TUNISIA – The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced the appointment of Herve Renard as the new head coach of the national team, the Carthage Eagles. Renard, a figure deeply familiar and revered in African football circles, takes over from Sabri Lamouchi, who was recently dismissed following a series of disappointing results. The Frenchman's immediate mandate is to steer Tunisia through the challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, a task he has previously demonstrated a strong aptitude for across the continent. Renard's return to African football is particularly noteworthy for Zambian football enthusiasts. He remains an iconic figure in Zambia, having masterminded the Chipolopolo's fairy-tale triumph at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – a victory that not only brought immense joy to the nation but also etched his name into Zambian sporting folklore. His tenure with Zambia was characterized by a disciplined approach, tactical astuteness, and an ability to inspire his players, qualities that the Tunisian federation will undoubtedly hope he brings to their squad. Following his success with Zambia, Renard went on to achieve further continental glory, guiding Côte d'Ivoire to the AFCON title in 2015, becoming the first coach to win the tournament with two different nations. His coaching journey has also included stints with Saudi Arabia, whom he led to the 2022 World Cup, and the French women's national team. This rich tapestry of experience, particularly his proven track record in high-stakes international competitions and World Cup qualifiers, makes him a compelling choice for Tunisia, a nation with high footballing aspirations. Lamouchi's departure follows a period where the Tunisian national team struggled to find consistency, prompting the federation to seek a change in leadership ahead of crucial qualifiers. Renard's appointment is seen as a strategic move to inject new energy and tactical prowess into the squad,