Tunisia FA scrambles for coach ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers

The Tunisian FA remains undecided on a new head coach for the Carthage Eagles just weeks before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The group-stage draw placed Tunisia in Group H alongside Uganda, Libya, and Botswana. Last result: Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands (2026-06-25).

Why is the FA struggling to pick a new coach?

Options are dwindling for the Tunisian FA after foreign coaches declined to continue. Hervé Renard ruled out extending his stay due to unclear vision and a lack of a clear sporting project. Moïne Chaâbani, coach of RS Berkane, also chose to stay with his Moroccan club. Local names like Jalel Kadri and Khaled Ben Yahia were floated, but none earned unanimous fan support.

Disastrous slide in results and rankings

The Carthage Eagles’ results have slumped sharply in recent years. They exited the last AFCON at the Round of 16 after a 3-2 penalty shootout loss to Mali following a 1-1 draw in regulation. At the 2026 World Cup, Tunisia finished 47th and last after three straight defeats: 1-5 vs Sweden, 0-4 vs Japan, and 1-3 vs Netherlands. Their FIFA ranking has slipped to 57th globally and 11th in Africa.

What’s next? Is there hope for qualification?

With no clear sporting project in sight, the FA’s task looks daunting. Group H in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers includes Uganda, Libya, and Botswana, but recent form suggests Tunisia faces an uphill climb. Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first).