Tunisia names Herve Ronar as new coach ahead of World Cup 2026 group matches

After a 1-5 defeat to Sweden in the opening group game of the 2026 World Cup, the Tunisian Football Federation dismissed head coach Sabri Limoussi. The federation swiftly appointed French manager Herve Ronar (also referred to as Renard) to take charge of the "Eagles of Carthage" for the remainder of the tournament.

Ronar arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, to conduct his first training session with the squad. In his inaugural press conference he urged the players to "raise your heads" and expressed full confidence in their ability to turn the campaign around. He highlighted the upcoming clash with Japan, noting his familiarity with the Japanese side's tactical discipline and fast, collective play. Ronar stressed the need for renewed team spirit, solidarity and hard work, insisting that the coach’s nationality is irrelevant compared to his ability to inspire confidence and add tactical value.

The new coach’s mandate is to secure at least a third‑place finish in Group F, the group’s best‑of‑three qualifying spot, and potentially push Tunisia into the knockout stage for the first time since the tournament’s expansion. The appointment aims to calm angry fans and restore belief that Tunisia can still advance beyond the group stage.