Renard takes charge of Tunisia ahead of World Cup group matches

SALADIN, Iraq — French coach Hervé Renard has arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, to take over as head coach of Tunisia's national team, the Tunisian Football Federation said. The federation announced that Renard will lead the side through the 2026 World Cup, with the deal extendable if specific sporting targets are met. Renard was appointed to replace Sbri Lamouchi, who was dismissed after Tunisia opened its campaign with a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. His first match in charge is a group fixture against Japan in the early hours of Sunday, followed by a meeting with the Netherlands. Tunisia will look to take points from both remaining group games to keep alive its chances of advancing. Renard, who previously coached Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup along with Zambia and Ivory Coast, faces an early decision in goal between Mehdi Ben Cherifia and Aymen Dahmen, with further lineup changes expected across the pitch.