Humiliated 5-1 by Sweden, Lamouchi on the verge of being sacked mid-World Cup

Tunisia endured a nightmare opening to the 2026 World Cup, thrashed 5-1 by Sweden in Monterrey. The defeat could cost Sabri Lamouchi his position before the Eagles of Carthage’s second match, set for June 21 against Japan.

According to several Tunisian media outlets, including Jawhara FM and Mozaique FM, the Tunisian federation held a meeting following the loss and the fate of the 54-year-old coach appears already sealed. Lamouchi, appointed last January and under contract until 2028, is reportedly on the verge of being removed from his post mid-tournament.

“It is difficult and painful to begin the competition with such a heavy defeat,” the manager said after the match. He pointed to individual errors from his players: “We made individual mistakes that the Swedes were able to exploit to score. In the World Cup, nothing is forgiven. We will need to reduce errors and address our tactical shortcomings. We need better cohesion between the three lines, and that is what we lacked today.”

If the sacking is confirmed, interim duties during this World Cup could be handled by Wahbi Khazri, while national technical director Mondher Kebaier is reportedly being considered to take over in the longer term.