The 2026 World Cup has commenced, and the first coaching change has already occurred. Sabri Lamouchi, who served as Tunisia’s head coach, was dismissed a mere day after his team's embarrassing loss to Sweden, where they were defeated 5-1 in their Group F opener.
This swift action marks Lamouchi as the first manager to be sacked during this tournament. Despite only one match played, the result spelled disaster for the Tunisian side.
#What Went Wrong on the Field
The match held on June 14 quickly spiraled out of control for Tunisia. Yasin Ayari of Sweden scored two goals, with his teammates Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Mattias Svanberg contributing to the overwhelming score. Omar Rekik managed to secure a single consolation goal for his team, but it was not enough to shift the narrative.
In response to this loss, the Tunisian Football Federation made the decision to terminate Lamouchi’s contract within 24 hours following the match. Reports suggest that Lamouchi had foresight regarding his dismissal, as internal conflicts had been reportedly brewing leading up to the World Cup.
#How Long Did Lamouchi Stay in Charge?
Lamouchi's brief tenure as head coach lasted nearly five months, starting on January 14, 2026. Over this period, his record was less than impressive, comprising five matches that yielded only one win, one draw, and three losses. Following his departure, Tunisia will move forward under interim coach Wahbi Khazri as they prepare for upcoming matches against Japan and the Netherlands.
#Has This Happened Before in Tunisian Football?
Tunisia is no stranger to in-tournament coaching changes. The nation has a history of sacking managers during World Cup events, having previously done so in 1998 during the tournament in France. This pattern places Tunisia among the few countries that have dismissed head coaches at two different World Cups, highlighting a troubling trend in their approach to management during high-stakes competitions.