Tunisia coach's future uncertain after 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden

Tunisia's World Cup hopes are already in disarray following a crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match. Coach Sabri Lamouchi's position is now uncertain, with federation chiefs reportedly holding urgent talks about his future.

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Discussions are underway between members of the federation.

A source close to the matter told AFP that discussions are underway and a decision is expected within hours. Lamouchi, who took the helm in January, could be replaced by Mondher Kebaier, who previously managed the national team from 2019 to 2022. Kebaier is reportedly with the Tunisian delegation in Monterrey, Mexico.

Several Tunisian media outlets have already reported Lamouchi's impending sacking. This development casts a shadow over Tunisia's seventh attempt to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup. Their path forward is daunting, with remaining group games against Japan and the Netherlands.

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a decision “in one sense or the other” should be taken “in the next few hours”.

Lamouchi, a former France international, has prior World Cup coaching experience, having led Ivory Coast in 2014, though they also failed to advance past the group stage. Football transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the sacking on his X account, stating that plans were in motion to appoint Kebaier on an interim basis.

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OFFICIAL: Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked after defeat on World Cup opening game against Sweden. Plans are under way ‌to appoint ‌Mondher Kebaier as the new national team ‌coach on an interim basis, Federation confirm.