World Cup 2026: Sabri Lamouchi joins list of coaches sacked during tournament

Tunisia’s decision to dismiss Sabri Lamouchi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has once again highlighted the intense pressure faced by national team coaches on football’s biggest stage.

The Tunisian Football Federation acted after the Carthage Eagles suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match of the tournament, bringing Lamouchi’s tenure to an abrupt end before the competition had reached its conclusion.

His departure serves as a reminder that even the world’s most prestigious football event offers little protection when results fail to meet expectations.

Lamouchi’s dismissal places him among a small group of coaches who have lost their jobs during a World Cup campaign. While such cases remain relatively rare, history shows that federations have previously acted quickly when performances have fallen short.

The most notable precedent involving Tunisia came at the 1998 World Cup in France. Henryk Kasperczak, then in charge of the North African side, was dismissed after the team suffered defeats in its opening two group-stage matches.

That same tournament also saw other managerial departures before the first round had been completed. South Korea parted company with Cha Bum-kun, while Saudi Arabia removed Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira following disappointing results.

Those decisions demonstrated the unforgiving nature of the World Cup, where expectations are high and patience is often limited. For many coaches, a poor start can quickly place their future in doubt regardless of previous achievements or reputation.

The vulnerability of national team managers was also highlighted at the 2018 World Cup, although under different circumstances.

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui was dismissed by the Spanish Football Federation just two days before the start of the tournament after the surprise announcement that he would become Real Madrid manager.

While his departure did not occur during the competition itself, it remains one of the most dramatic coaching exits associated with a World Cup.

Lamouchi’s removal now adds another chapter to that history.

The swift action taken by Tunisia following their defeat to Sweden underlines how rapidly fortunes can change at the World Cup. With every match carrying enormous significance, coaches often find themselves judged on immediate results.

From Kasperczak in 1998 to Lamouchi in 2026, World Cup history shows that the pressure of the tournament can prove decisive, with a single poor performance sometimes enough to bring an international coaching career to an unexpected end.