Big shock.. Shabani takes over Tunisia after RS Berkane exit
After five straight losses, RS Berkane announced on Friday 23 July 2026 that Tunisian coach Moine Shabani would leave the Moroccan club following an official offer to take charge of the Tunisia national team. The club said in an official statement: «RS Berkane announces to its loyal fans and the wider sporting public that head coach Mr Moine Shabani has received an official request from the Tunisian Football Federation to take charge of the national team’s technical staff.» The statement added that Shabani is under contract at Berkane until 30 June 2027 and that the federation had approached him twice before about the national team role.
What exactly happened?
RS Berkane confirmed the federation’s formal approach to Shabani, who was still under contract until summer 2027. The move comes after Tunisia’s recent run of form, which has seen the national side lose its last five games on the bounce, most recently a 1-3 defeat to the Netherlands on 25 June 2026. The club said Shabani had shown «high professionalism, constant commitment and deep respect for the club, its officials, players and fans» and had «contributed efforts that wrote a distinctive chapter in RS Berkane’s history.» It concluded by offering him «sincere thanks and appreciation» and wished him «every success in his next mission with his country’s national team.»
Why this move matters for Tunisia
The appointment lands at a critical moment for the Tunisia national team, which has now suffered five consecutive defeats. After the heavy loss to the Netherlands, the Tunisian FA clearly decided a major shake-up was needed at the helm. Shabani, who twice turned down previous approaches, is now the federation’s first choice. Officials said they «trust his technical and managerial abilities,» especially after his successful spell at Berkane, and pointed to «previous experiences [that] showed Shabani can handle intense pressure,» adding that «the task requires someone with international experience.»
What happens next after Shabani’s departure?
RS Berkane said «the search for a new head coach is under way» and that «the process will follow the club’s established procedures.» The Tunisian FA is expected to finalise Shabani’s appointment within days, focusing on «stability ahead of the next qualifiers.» A source close to the talks said Shabani «will start with the national team once contract formalities are complete,» adding that «the side needs a morale boost after five straight defeats.» The source also noted the FA is «looking for a coach with continental experience,» with the goal of turning results around before the 2026 World Cup.
Tunisia’s current context
Against this backdrop, Shabani’s appointment arrives at a difficult time. Tunisia has now lost five games in a row, capped by the 1-3 loss to the Netherlands on 25 June 2026. The run of failures in friendlies and warm-ups has raised questions about the side’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup. Sports analysts said the FA is «seeking a radical change at the top,» adding that «Shabani may be the best fit.» They warned the task «won’t be easy,» given the intense pressure before the global showpiece.
