MONTERREY, Mexico — Hervé Renard is back on the World Cup stage.
The former Saudi Arabia coach was appointed Tunisia manager on Tuesday following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi, becoming one of the most unexpected coaching stories of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Tunisia acted after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in its opening Group F match, turning to the experienced Frenchman in a bid to revive its hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
The appointment marks Renard's third consecutive men's World Cup with a different nation.
He previously coached Morocco at the 2018 tournament in Russia before guiding Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2022, where he led the Green Falcons to a historic 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina.
Renard's return to the World Cup comes just two months after his departure from Saudi Arabia following the team's qualification campaign for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Between men's World Cups, Renard also coached France at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and led the host nation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Despite building a reputation as one of international football's most respected tournament coaches, Renard has yet to guide a team beyond the World Cup group stage.
His greatest achievements remain in Africa, where he became the first coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, lifting the title with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
Tunisia now hopes that pedigree can inspire a turnaround. Renard has only a few days to prepare his new team before a crucial clash against Japan on Saturday, followed by a meeting with group favorite Netherlands.
- Saudi Gazette, Agencie
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