Renard quits Tunisia as World Cup gamble ends in disaster

Herve Renard’s short and troubled spell as Tunisia coach has ended after just two matches, following the country’s disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 57-year-old Frenchman announced his departure on Saturday, confirming that his brief adventure with the Eagles of Carthage had come to an end.

“My adventure with Tunisia has come to an end,” Renard wrote on Instagram.

“Before I leave, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Tunisian Football Federation for allowing me to take part in the 2026 World Cup.

“It was an honour to represent Tunisia and to have this unforgettable experience.”

Renard was appointed on June 16 as an emergency replacement for Sabri Lamouchi, who was sacked after Tunisia suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening group match.

But the former Saudi Arabia coach could not rescue Tunisia’s campaign.

His first match in charge ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan, before Tunisia lost 3-1 to the Netherlands in their final group game.

The results confirmed Tunisia’s early exit from the tournament and brought Renard’s brief spell to an abrupt end.

Renard, who previously led Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations titles, had earlier told AFP that he came “for this World Cup,” without making clear whether Tunisia wanted him to continue after the tournament.

Before taking the Tunisia job, Renard had been expected to lead Saudi Arabia at the World Cup but was dismissed less than two months before the competition began in North America.

His exit now leaves Tunisia searching for another coach after a chaotic and disappointing World Cup campaign.