Tunisia has dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointed fellow Frenchman Hervé Renard in the wake of a disappointing 5-1 loss to Sweden in their World Cup opener in Monterrey.
Lamouchi, who became the tournament’s first coaching casualty, had been in charge since January under a contract running until 2028. He departs with upcoming matches against Japan and the Netherlands still on the schedule.
Under Lamouchi, Tunisia secured only one victory in five matches, defeating Haiti 1-0 in March while suffering defeats to Austria (1-0) and a heavy 5-0 loss to Belgium during recent World Cup warm-ups.
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) announced that Renard would lead the team through the remainder of their World Cup campaign. Their statement indicated that discussions would commence post-tournament regarding a potential long-term partnership focused on specific sporting goals.
According to the state broadcaster Television Tunisienne, Renard is expected to arrive in Monterrey on Tuesday to join the squad.
Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion, previously managed Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he famously led them to a victory over eventual champions Argentina during the group stage. After that, Renard took charge of the French women’s team for the 2023 World Cup and the Paris Olympics before returning to Saudi Arabia, helping the men’s team qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. He was ultimately replaced by Georgios Donis prior to the tournament.
Meanwhile, Algeria, known as the Desert Warriors, are gearing up to leverage strong local support as they kick off their campaign against the defending champions, Argentina. Residents of Lawrence, Kansas, have developed a fondness for the Algerian team, who are based in the city located about 40 miles west of Kansas City. Petkovic praised the warm welcome from fans in the area.
Videos showcasing Algeria’s unexpected support in Lawrence have gained significant attention online, depicting emotional scenes of fans, many adorned in Algerian scarves, celebrating the team and the World Cup atmosphere. Daniel Sperry shares more insights from Lawrence:
Lawrence is situated just over 40 miles from Kansas City, approximately a 40-minute drive from the metropolitan area hosting the base camps of Argentina, the Netherlands, and England for the World Cup. While those teams reside in boutique hotels around the city, Algeria opted for the more modest Lawrence DoubleTree. So, how did this support materialize? According to local artist Stan Herd, the answer dates back to April when Lawrence was officially designated as Algeria’s host city. “The agreement also stipulates that negotiations will be opened after the World Cup campaign to consider a long-term partnership based on specific sporting objectives,” Herd remarked. “I think everybody’s surprised at it,” Local organizers aimed to ensure the country felt welcomed, commissioning artwork and placing signs on lamp-posts that read “a blue city in a red state” Even McDonald’s drive-thru windows display signs greeting Algeria and football fans. Herd described Lawrence as “We competed against Spain, one of the best teams in the world. We are very happy and proud of all the players and people of Cape Verde.” highlighting that nearly 30% of its 100,000 residents comprise minorities or international students from the University of Kansas.
France is now focusing on their upcoming match against Senegal in New Jersey, featuring a formidable attacking lineup that includes Kylian Mbappé, former Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and dynamic winger Michael Olise.
The French team is eager to avoid a repeat of their opening-day loss to Senegal during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, a defeat that resulted in the reigning champions exiting in the group stage. Luke Entwistle revisits that unfortunate moment for Les Bleus and emphasizes the importance of a positive relationship between Mbappé and Dembélé from the start.
Mbappé’s on-field relationship with Ousmane Dembélé remains a significant concern. Dembélé has yet to showcase his best form for the national team; his dismal performance in the World Cup final four years ago, where he was substituted at halftime, lingers in memory. Following Dembélé’s recent Ballon d’Or victory, there has been a push for him to occupy the No 9 position—one he has excelled in at PSG under Luis Enrique—but that role is currently filled by Mbappé at the international level. When questioned about Mbappé’s role as a center-forward, Deschamps’ response is straightforward. Managers like Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Álvaro Arbeloa have all made similar decisions at the club level over the past three years. Altering this at this stage would be illogical. However, Dembélé’s difficulties on the right side and his inability to form a partnership with the France captain are fueling a national debate reminiscent of the one faced in England in 2006, concerning the compatibility of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Reflecting on the pivotal 2002 match, it remains a significant moment in football history.
In the latest episode of World Cup Daily, our team is on the ground providing daily podcasts. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay, Dan Bardell, and Sid Lowe to discuss the draws. Tune in for insights.
In another match, Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay in a match that lacked excitement according to Matt Hughes:
Miami boasts a higher per capita rate of Instagram influencers than Los Angeles and New York, suggesting that FIFA might have been better off recruiting some of them for ticket sales instead of relying on the ever-present IShowSpeed, whose exuberance has begun to annoy some high-profile guests in FIFA’s VVIP areas. Given the city’s reputation for celebrity and glamour, Miami residents are hard to impress, and even sports fans have numerous entertainment options. The Hard Rock Stadium, having hosted six Super Bowls, is also a regular venue for the Formula One circuit, which meant that a group stage World Cup match featuring two teams struggling for goals was unlikely to be a highlight.
In terms of football action, Maximiliano Araújo managed to equalize for Uruguay, ensuring they secured a point against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, who had previously stunned Argentina in their last World Cup opener, took the lead with Abdulelah al-Amri’s first-half goal but faced mounting pressure late in the match and couldn’t hold on against the two-time champions.
Uruguay controlled possession after halftime, with Manuel Ugarte striking the post from distance. The pressure ultimately resulted in Araújo scoring the equalizer from close range following a saved header by Federico Viñas.
In another unexpected outcome, Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde, a team making its World Cup debut. Sid Lowe described the match as astonishing, noting Spain’s inability to secure a win despite dominating possession and pressuring the Cape Verde goal consistently.
Even the introduction of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal from the bench could not break the deadlock for Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
As the final whistle blew, Cape Verde’s players and supporters erupted in celebration, achieving an improbable point in their inaugural World Cup match. “We are completely calm, convinced that there is a long way to go. As we see it, we have seven games left,” stated goalkeeper Vozinha in a press conference. “you are stronger than everything”
In contrast, Spain’s head coach, De la Fuente, remained composed, asserting there was no need for panic and expressing confidence in his team’s journey towards the final. “writing history, the whole world is watching you” he assured.
As we reach the two-thirds mark of the initial group matches in the 2026 World Cup, emotions run high. Are we feeling excited, thrilled, or perhaps overwhelmed and exhausted? Regardless of where you stand, brace yourself, as there is still a lot to experience.
Responses to the matches involving Spain and Cape Verde, Belgium and Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and Iran and New Zealand have highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament. Looking ahead, France faces Senegal, Iraq meets Norway, Argentina takes on Algeria, and Austria squares off against Jordan. How will the 2022 finalists perform? What about the African champions or the newcomers from Asia? This World Cup has already delivered a few surprises, and with so many matches ahead, more are surely on the horizon.
What are your thoughts on the performances we’ve witnessed? What are your predictions for the upcoming matches? Are you cheering from home or did you manage to get tickets? Share your insights, predictions, or any questions via email.
