Herve Renard Confirms Exit After 2026 World Cup

Herve Renard has never been a coach for half-measures, and he is treating his time with Tunisia in exactly the same way: as a short, sharp World Cup mission with a fixed end date.

The Frenchman has confirmed he will step down as Tunisia head coach after the 2026 World Cup, with his contract running only until the end of the tournament and no discussions planned over an extension beyond June.

“I’ve come for a World Cup mission,” Renard told ESPN on Monday. “I have not signed beyond that.”

Renard arrived in charge of the Carthage Eagles in the wake of a brutal setback, drafted in to replace Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia were dismantled 5-0 by Belgium. His appointment was meant to steady a shaken side and give them a defined identity on the biggest stage.

The task has proved unforgiving. On Saturday, Tunisia fell to Japan, a defeat that sealed their elimination after just two matches. Any hope of a deep run vanished almost as quickly as it had been imagined.

Renard’s stance has remained unwavering. This was always going to be a World Cup-specific project, not a long-term rebuild. He will lead Tunisia through the 2026 campaign, then walk away.

The question now is simple and stark: how much can he squeeze out of this short spell to ensure his brief tenure leaves a lasting mark on Tunisian football?