Renard takes over the Carthage Eagles

Herve Renard was supposed to lead the Saudi Arabian national team to the World Cup but the Saudis dismissed him. Still, a strange twist of fate sent him to Mexico after all he was hired by Tunisia today. Strange indeed, because the Carthage Eagles parted ways with Sabri Lamouchi "only" because of a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden in the opening round, which significantly reduced the Africans' chances of reaching the knockout stage. Tunisia still has matches against Japan and the Netherlands ahead of them, and therefore still has hope of advancing, which is why the federation opted for such a drastic move.

World Cup chaos: Tunisia axe Lamouchi after just one match?!

Renard is set to arrive in Mexico on Tuesday, where Tunisia's base camp is located, to lead his first training session. He will be accompanied by new members of his coaching staff, including former Tunisian international Wahbi Khazri, who had himself been mentioned as a possible replacement for Lamouchi. Instead of appointing the former Saint-Etienne and Montpellier player, the Tunisian Football Federation—though there are indications it may simply have followed the wish, advice, or order of President Kais Saied—handed the job to Renard and limited his contract to the duration of Tunisia's World Cup campaign. Only afterward would discussions take place regarding a longer-term project, although even that remains uncertain, considering the federation also dismissed Lamouchi's predecessor, Sami Trabelsi, earlier this year following elimination by Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Sweden Overwhelmed Tunisia 5-1

Renard arrives at a difficult moment, but he knows the job well. After all, he managed Morocco at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, marking the nation's first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Later, he took charge of Saudi Arabia and famously led them to a shock victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It is also worth noting that Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice—first with Zambia in 2012 and then with Ivory Coast in 2015. With this appointment, Herve Renard joins the exclusive group of coaches who have led teams at three consecutive World Cups. That club includes Guus Hiddink and Carlos Alberto Parreira (three tournaments each), as well as the unmatched Velibor Bora Milutinović, who managed teams at five consecutive World Cups.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Tuesday 16.06.

Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)

/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/

Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)

/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/

22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***