Sabri Lamouchi says he discovered Tunisia sacking through missed calls

Former Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi has criticised the Tunisian Football Federation over the way his dismissal was handled, revealing he was never officially informed before the decision was made public during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking for the first time since his departure, the Frenchman said he discovered he had been sacked only after waking up to dozens of missed calls following Tunisia’s heavy defeat to Sweden in the group stage.

Lamouchi reveals how he found out

Speaking on the Campo podcast, Lamouchi recalled the events that followed Tunisia’s 5-1 loss, describing how he learned of his dismissal.

“I did not receive any official communication from the Tunisian Football Federation to inform me of the dismissal decision, but rather I learned about it through my personal phone.”

He said the reality of the situation became clear when he checked his phone the following morning.

“I woke up early and found 27 missed calls from my family and friends. It seems that the federation issued an official statement announcing my departure. That was the beginning of the end.”

Players offered support

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, Lamouchi said he reported for training the following day, where members of the Tunisia squad expressed their backing.

“I went to training the next day, and some players approached me and told me that we would get through this stage together.”

‘No coach can succeed’

Reflecting on his brief spell in charge of the Carthage Eagles, Lamouchi suggested the circumstances surrounding the national team made success difficult.

“No coach can succeed under these circumstances.”

The Tunisian Football Federation dismissed Lamouchi during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup after a disappointing run of results, bringing his tenure to an abrupt end before Tunisia’s campaign ha