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World Cup manager quits less than three weeks after getting job - 'it was an honour'

Tunisia head coach Herve Renard has resigned just 18 days after being appointed during the 2026 World Cup, with the African nation finishing bottom of their group

[Herve Renard looks on ]

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Herve Renard lasted just 18 days with Tunisia (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Tunisia head coach Herve Renard has stepped down just 18 days after being appointed during the World Cup. Tunisia crashed out of Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dismal fashion following a heavy 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands.

The match got off to a nightmare start with the second-fastest own goal in tournament history, netted by midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, as the African nation bowed out of the competition with three straight losses.

Across their three group stage outings, Tunisia managed just two goals while shipping 12 - the second highest tally conceded by any side in World Cup history - finishing with a -10 goal difference. Renard was dramatically drafted in after Tunisia axed their previous head coach following the catastrophic opening fixture.

The North Africans had only appointed Sabri Lamouchi back in January before cutting ties with him after a shocking 5-1 opening World Cup defeat to Sweden. This is not uncharted territory for the nation, having previously dismissed former coach Henryk Kasperczak after just two matches at the 1998 tournament.

Renard has now walked away from the role following the 4-0 drubbing by Japan and the subsequent defeat to the Netherlands, lasting a mere 18 days in charge - a sorry end to an already torrid tournament for Tunisia.

The 57-year-old released a statement confirming his decision, which read: "Before leaving, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the FTF for allowing me to participate in the 2026 World Cup. It was an honour to wear Tunisia's colours and to live this unforgettable experience.

"I wish this Tunisian team the best for the future. I am convinced that it will continue to grow, to thrill an entire nation, and to write brilliant chapters in its history.

[An individual dressed in a white long-sleeve shirt, black trousers, and white sneakers ]

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Herve Renard has left his role(Image: Getty Images)

"Thank you to everyone who accompanied me throughout this journey. I wish you great success in the future. My journey is coming to an end."

Renard had been the leading candidate following Lamouchi's sacking, having previously taken charge at the World Cup with both Morocco and Saudi Arabia. He guided the Saudis to a remarkable triumph over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In 2023, he took charge of the French women's side, steering them to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Renard has also had stints managing Zambia and the Ivory Coast, claiming the Africa Cup of Nations with both nations in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

It proved to be a deeply disappointing tournament for Tunisia. Following the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Japan in their second fixture, Norwich City midfielder Anis Ben Slimane hit out at the upheaval mid-tournament.

"It has not been easy. In the middle of the camp, there was a lot of trouble, and then a new manager came in during the tournament," Slimane explained. "You go from one hour having a whole staff of 15 people to another hour having a new manager with a new staff.

"I am not saying that is the reason, because it is not, but it has been a difficult time. Our job is to perform, but we have been through a lot of trouble."

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