World Cup 2026: It's a challenge which isn't easy' – Herve Renard after taking over Tunisia

[caption id="attachment_1315470" align="alignnone" width="612"] MONTERREY, MEXICO - JUNE 16: Newly appointed coach of Tunisia Herve Renard is seen at a press conference prior his first training with the team on June 16, 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico.

After their 5-1 loss against Sweden in their first Group Stage match, Tunisian Football Association fired Sabri Lamouchi and hired World Cup veteran Renard. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/FIFA via Getty Images)[/caption]Herv Renard has declared that the passion of the World Cup is what drew him to the Tunisia job, even as he acknowledged the monumental task ahead of him.Speaking at his first press conference following his appointment, the Frenchman made it clear that he is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge.Tunisia are rooted to the bottom of Group F after a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden their second consecutive match conceding five goals, following a 5-0 friendly loss to Belgium."It's a World Cup.

I know the passion around this event.

That's what motivated me to come, and it's a challenge which isn't easy," Renard said."At the moment we need to be focused on ourselves.

We still have a few days to be ready."Renard is no stranger to African football.

He has managed Zambia, Angola, Cte d'Ivoire, and Morocco, winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice with Zambia in 2012 and Cte d'Ivoire in 2015.

This is his third World Cup as a head coach, having led Morocco in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in 2022.But this may be his toughest test yet.

The Carthage Eagles face Japan on June 21, followed by the Netherlands on June 25.With just a few days to prepare, Renard's task is clear: restore pride, rebuild confidence, and give Tunisia a fighting chance.