The Tunisian soccer federation abruptly fired head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a devastating 5-1 World Cup defeat against Sweden.
The 54-year-old manager was dismissed on Tuesday after serving a remarkably brief tenure that began just this past January.
French tactician Hervé Renard was immediately appointed to lead the squad through the remainder of the tournament in North America.
Renard’s current short-term contract covers only the tournament, with future extension talks scheduled after the final whistle blows.
The heavy opening loss on Sunday leaves the North African side facing a steep uphill battle to qualify for the round of 32.
Tunisia must quickly regroup before facing Japan this Saturday, followed by a final group stage clash against the Netherlands on June 25.
Renard brings immense tournament experience, specializing in guiding national programs across Africa and the Arabic-speaking world to competitive success.
The veteran manager previously made history by winning the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia and the Ivory Coast.
His impressive resume includes leading Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and commanding the French squad at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
He also orchestrated Saudi Arabia’s famous upset over eventual champion Argentina during the group stage of the 2022 tournament.
Renard recently concluded a second stint with the Saudi national team this past April before accepting this urgent Tunisian rescue mission.