Tunisia has dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden at the 2026 World Cup. The loss, which took place in the group stage, made Lamouchi the first manager to be fired during this year's tournament.
The match that sealed his fate
Sweden dominated from the start, putting four goals past Tunisia before the hour mark. The Tunisian side managed a consolation goal but never looked competitive. The 5-1 scoreline was the heaviest defeat for the Carthage Eagles in a World Cup match in over two decades.
Lamouchi took over the national team in early 2024, leading them through a successful qualifying campaign. But the tournament performance fell short of expectations. The Tunisian football federation moved quickly after the match, announcing the dismissal within hours.
First coaching casualty of the 2026 World Cup
Lamouchi's firing marks the earliest coaching change in this World Cup cycle. While other teams have underperformed, none have yet parted ways with their manager. The decision underscores the pressure on national federations to show results on the biggest stage.
The federation has not named an interim replacement. Assistant coaches are expected to take charge for Tunisia's remaining group matches, though the team's chances of advancing are now slim.
What comes next for Tunisia
Tunisia still has two group games left, but the heavy loss to Sweden leaves them with a poor goal difference. The federation will likely begin a search for a permanent coach after the tournament. For now, the focus is on salvaging some pride in the remaining fixtures.
Lamouchi's dismissal is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in international football. One bad result at the World Cup can undo months of work.
