Tunisia sack head coach Lamouchi after 5-1 World Cup defeat to Sweden

Tunisia have reportedly dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following their crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Lamouchi, who only took charge of the national team in January, is said to have paid the price for a poor run of results that culminated in the heavy loss to the Swedes, leaving Tunisia’s World Cup campaign in turmoil after just one game.

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The defeat sparked widespread anger among Tunisian supporters, with many questioning both the team’s performance and the timing of the reported decision as the North Africans prepare for two crucial group-stage matches.

Defensive Frailties Exposed

Tunisia’s defeat to Sweden marked their third consecutive loss, with the Carthage Eagles conceding 11 goals during that run.

The worrying sequence has raised serious concerns over the team’s defensive stability heading into the remainder of the tournament.

Following the defeat, Tunisia defender Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida issued an apology to supporters and admitted costly mistakes had proved decisive.

“We suffered a heavy defeat because of small details and mistakes,” Ben Hamida told La Presse.

“At this level, against a team like Sweden, when you make such serious mistakes, you pay a heavy price. Sweden were more efficient, they exploited all our mistakes. We apologise to the Tunisian public after this defeat.

“We will try to make up for it and correct our course in the next match. We absolutely need more concentration in the future.”

Emergency Federation Meeting Follows Defeat

Reports in Tunisia indicate that the Tunisian Football Federation convened an emergency meeting immediately after the final whistle against Sweden to assess the team’s deteriorating form.

The decision reportedly follows a series of disappointing performances, including a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Belgium in Tunisia’s final World Cup warm-up match before travelling to the United States.

Lamouchi’s Short-Lived Tenure Ends

Lamouchi’s tenure proved remarkably brief. The former Nottingham Forest manager lasted only five matches in charge after being appointed earlier this year following the departure of Sami Trabelsi, who left in the aftermath of Tunisia’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

With their World Cup hopes already hanging in the balance, Tunisia now face the daunting task of regrouping under new leadership as they seek to revive their chances of progressing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.