Tunisia coach Hervé Renard has resigned from his post just 18 days after taking over during the World Cup. The African nation suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was eliminated from Group F in heartbreaking fashion.
The match got off to a nightmare start with midfielder Elies Schiri scoring the second-fastest own goal in the competition’s history, and the African nation lost three straight games and was eliminated from the competition.
Through three matches in the group stage, Tunisia scored just two goals, but conceded 12 goals, the second most in World Cup history, and finished with a goal difference of -10. Leonard was called up on short notice after Tunisia fired its former head coach after a disastrous opening game.
Tunisia had just hired Sabri Ramouchi in January but parted ways with him after a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening World Cup match. This is not uncharted territory for the country, having sacked former manager Henryk Kasperczak after just two games in the 1998 tournament.
Leonard left his position following a 4-0 defeat to Japan and then the Netherlands, and was in charge for just 18 days, a disastrous end to an already disastrous tournament for Tunisia.
The 57-year-old released a statement confirming his resignation, saying: “Before I leave, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the FTF for allowing me to participate in the 2026 World Cup. It was an honor to wear Tunisian colors and live this unforgettable experience.”
“I wish this Tunisian team all the best for the future. I am confident that the Tunisian team will continue to grow, excite the whole country and write a bright chapter in history.”
“Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me on this journey. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. My journey is coming to an end.”
Renard, who previously coached Morocco and Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, was the top candidate after Ramsi was sacked. He led Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
In 2023, she became the coach of the French women’s team and led them to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Renard also represented Zambia and Ivory Coast, winning the African Cup of Nations with both countries in 2012 and 2015, respectively.
It was a very disappointing tournament for Tunisia. After Japan suffered a 4-0 defeat in the second leg, Norwich City midfielder Anis Ben Slimane flourished in a turbulent midway through the tournament.
“It wasn’t easy. There were a lot of problems during the camp, but a new coach was appointed during the tournament,” Slimane explained. “We go from having all 15 staff members to having a new manager and new staff.
“I’m not saying that’s the reason, because that’s not the case, but it’s been a tough period. Our job is to perform and we’ve been through a lot.”
