Hervé Renard has confirmed that his time with Tunisia will end after the World Cup, bringing clarity to a short and turbulent spell in charge. The French coach was brought in on an emergency basis but could not prevent an early exit for the Carthage Eagles. Now, only pride remains as they prepare for their final group game.
Renard stepped in after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following a heavy pre-tournament defeat to Belgium. Expectations were low, but hopes still lingered that his reputation for shock success could spark a turnaround. Instead, Tunisia suffered another setback with a 4-0 loss to Japan that sealed elimination after just two matches.
“I’ve come for a World Cup mission,” Renard told reporters. “I have not signed beyond that.” The statement confirmed what many suspected, that his role was always temporary and focused only on the tournament.
The 57-year-old arrives with a strong pedigree in international football. He guided Zambia to an unlikely Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 and later led Ivory Coast to continental success in 2015. He also oversaw Saudi Arabia’s famous World Cup win over Argentina in 2022, a result that stunned global football.
Yet this campaign has not followed that script. Tunisia became the first team since Greece in 1994 to lose their opening two World Cup matches by four-goal margins. Defensive lapses and a lack of attacking sharpness left them exposed against higher-level opposition.
From a tactical point of view, Tunisia struggled to cope with intensity and movement in transition. Japan’s pressing game repeatedly forced errors, while Tunisia’s midfield failed to control tempo or provide protection to the back line. The result exposed a gap in quality and organisation at this level.
Despite elimination, Renard urged professionalism until the final whistle of the campaign. “We need to stay motivated, that is very important since we represent a nation,” he said. “We must assume our responsibilities and be professional for the next game.”
Attention now turns to their final match against the Netherlands. It is a chance to restore pride and avoid finishing with zero points, a fate that would add another painful statistic to their tournament history.
For Renard, it is also a final opportunity to leave a lasting impression before departure. For Tunisia, it is about dignity, pride, and closing a difficult chapter on the world stage.
