Sabri Lamouchi's Future in Doubt After Tunisia's Heavy World Cup Defeat

The future of Tunisia's head coach, Sabri Lamouchi, has come under intense scrutiny following the team's crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

According to sources cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP), members of the Tunisian Football Federation are currently holding discussions regarding Lamouchi's position, with growing speculation that a managerial change could be made in the coming hours.

The humiliating loss to Sweden has sparked widespread criticism from supporters and media outlets, with many questioning the team's performance and tactical approach in a match that saw Tunisia overwhelmed by the Scandinavian side.

Several Tunisian media reports on Monday suggested that Lamouchi is now close to leaving his role less than six months after taking charge of the national team. 

The former French international, who is of Tunisian heritage, was appointed head coach in January with hopes of guiding the Carthage Eagles to a successful World Cup campaign.

However, Tunisia's tournament began in disastrous fashion as Sweden produced one of the most dominant performances of the opening round. 

Midfielder Yasin Ayari scored twice, while Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Mattias Svanberg also found the net in a comprehensive Swedish victory.

The result has increased pressure on the Tunisian Football Federation, which is reportedly evaluating its options ahead of the team's remaining group-stage fixtures.

Should Lamouchi be dismissed, former Tunisia coach Monder Kebaier has emerged as the leading candidate to take over. 

Kebaier is already with the Tunisian delegation in Mexico and is viewed as a familiar figure capable of stepping into the role immediately.

Kebaier previously managed Tunisia between 2019 and 2022, leading the national team through several major international competitions and building extensive experience within the federation's structure.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the coaching position, Tunisia still has opportunities to revive its World Cup campaign. 

However, any hopes of advancing to the knockout stages will likely require a significant improvement in performance and morale after one of the heaviest defeats in the nation's World Cup history.