Guadalupe, Mexico — A dramatic turn of events has unfolded at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirming the departure of national team head coach Sabri Lamouchi. The decision comes less than 24 hours after a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden national football team in Tunisia’s opening Group F encounter.
The result not only stunned supporters but also triggered an emergency federation meeting in Mexico, as officials moved quickly to reassess the team’s direction mid-tournament.
Official Federation Statement
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed the split through a formal statement, describing the separation as a mutual agreement:
“تُعلن الجامعة التونسية لكرة القدم عن إنهاء العلاقة التعاقدية مع المدرب الوطني صبري اللموشي بالتراضي، وتتمنى له كل التوفيق والنجاح في بقية مسيرته المهنية.”
“The Tunisian Football Federation announces the termination of its contractual relationship with Head Coach Sabri Lamouchi by mutual agreement and wishes him every success in his future professional endeavors.”
Despite the wording of mutual consent, the timing makes Lamouchi the first managerial casualty of the 2026 World Cup.
The Breaking Point in Monterrey
Tunisia national football team arrived at the tournament with a reputation built on defensive discipline, having gone through qualifying without conceding a single goal. That record was emphatically broken by a ruthless Swedish performance.
Sweden struck early, with Yasin Ayari opening the scoring inside seven minutes with a brilliant finish that set the tone for the match. Alexander Isak soon doubled the lead, putting Tunisia under immediate pressure.
Tunisia briefly responded before halftime when Omar Rekik headed home a well-delivered cross from Hannibal Mejbri, offering a moment of hope. However, that momentum quickly evaporated in the second half.
Viktor Gyökeres punished a defensive lapse to extend Sweden’s advantage, before late goals from Mattias Svanberg and a second from Ayari sealed a comprehensive 5–1 victory.
Reports from within the Tunisian camp suggest that the collapse on the pitch was accompanied by growing tension off it, including frustration inside the dressing room and at the team hotel after the final whistle.
A Brief and Turbulent Tenure
Lamouchi’s spell in charge ends after just five matches. Appointed in January 2026 following the departure of Sami Trabelsi, the former Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City manager struggled to establish consistency or defensive stability.
His tenure began with promise, including a win over Haiti, but results quickly deteriorated. Concerns had already intensified after a 5–0 friendly defeat to Belgium national football team before the tournament.
The defeat to Sweden ultimately proved decisive, pushing the federation into immediate action.
Uphill Battle in Group F
Mid-tournament coaching changes remain rare on football’s biggest stage, though Tunisia has experienced such turbulence before, having famously dismissed Henryk Kasperczak during the 1998 World Cup group stage.
Now bottom of Group F with a -4 goal difference, Tunisia faces a difficult path forward. With fixtures remaining against Japan national football team and Netherlands national football team, the North African side must respond quickly if they are to keep their tournament hopes alive.
For Tunisia, the challenge is no longer just tactical. It is psychological, structural, and immediate.
