Tunisia have become the first team to sack their coach at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup following the country’s disappointing start to the tournament.
The Tunisian Football Federation announced the sack of coach Sabri Lamouchi, after the team’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F match on Sunday.
The heavy loss left Tunisia at the bottom of the group and raised concerns about the team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Tunisia struggled throughout the match as Sweden dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.
The North African side found it difficult to cope with the attacking strength of their opponents and conceded five goals.
Football analysts described the result as one of Tunisia’s heaviest defeats in World Cup history, and a major setback for a team that arrived at the tournament hoping to make an impact.
In a statement, the Tunisian Football Federation thanked Lamouchi for his service and commitment to the national team but said a change was necessary to improve the team’s performance in the remaining matches.
“The federation appreciates the efforts of the coach and his technical crew. However, following recent results, a decision has been taken to appoint a new leadership for the team,” it said.
Lamouchi becomes the first coach to lose his job at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pressure national team managers face during major international competitions.
The former Tunisia international had guided the team through qualification and was expected to help the Eagles of Carthage challenge stronger opponents at the tournament.
Fans expressed disappointment after the defeat, with many calling for immediate improvements ahead of Tunisia’s next Group F match against Japan.
The federation is expected to announce an interim coach in the coming days as the team seeks to revive its campaign and restore confidence among supporters.
Tunisia still have two group matches remaining and must secure positive results to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the next round.
The development marks the first managerial casualty of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining the high expectations and intense scrutiny that accompany football’s biggest tournament.
