Advertisement
Renard calls for Tunisia to end World Cup campaign with honour against Netherlands
25th June, 2026 11:26 AM
Tunisia coach Hervé Renard has challenged his players to show resilience and self-respect in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter against the Netherlands on Thursday, June 25, 2026, despite already being eliminated from the tournament.
The North African side has endured a difficult campaign marked by managerial upheaval and disappointing results, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the standings ahead of Thursday’s clash with the Dutch.
Speaking during a media briefing before the match, Renard acknowledged the challenges facing his team but stressed the need to finish the competition positively.
“It’s a very difficult time, tough time. But it happens in football sometimes,” Renard told a pre-match press conference. “This is a moment we have to be strong to finish this World Cup as best as possible,” he said.
Tunisia’s rough journey
Tunisia’s hopes of progressing ended after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, followed by a 4-0 loss against Japan. The poor start led the Tunisian Football Federation to dismiss former coach Sabri Lamouchi after only one match at the tournament.
Renard, who was appointed on a short-term basis until the conclusion of the World Cup, took charge ahead of the Japan fixture. However, the veteran French tactician admitted he had been disappointed by the team’s response to his instructions.
“I’m not satisfied at all. And I’m not satisfied with the message I passed on, because I think this message was not received properly,” Renard said. “I’m not used to trying to find excuses and blaming others. I take these things for myself.”
The 57-year-old accepted responsibility for the team’s performance and revealed his frustration after the heavy defeat to Japan.
“After Japan, I was a bit ashamed. Let’s concentrate now on the next game and try to find something difficult to reach, but it’s necessary for us,” he added.
Renard is widely respected in international football, having led Saudi Arabia to a memorable 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. He has also guided both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
Despite his impressive record, the coach has had little time to alter Tunisia’s fortunes. The Carthage Eagles have conceded nine goals in two World Cup matches after completing their qualification campaign without allowing a single goal.
Maintaining team spirit
Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen admitted the situation has been unsettling but insisted team spirit remains intact.
“The group is still solid. It’s still united. We are living together, we are unified. We are very strong since we were in Canada,” Dahmen said. “Things were destabilized and that’s only normal because we are in the World Cup.” He noted.
The shot-stopper urged every member of the squad to take responsibility as they seek a positive ending to their tournament.
“The only thing we need is for us all to carry ourselves, carry the responsibilities. Anyone needs to be responsible for the match tomorrow, we will work based on the history of our national team and do our best,” Dahmen added.
Renard believes his players must display determination and professionalism against a Netherlands side that sits atop Group F on goal difference, level on four points with Japan.
“We need to finish this competition as cleanly as possible. Football requires pride, even when the situation is difficult, and you need to be facing these situations with dignity, all the way to the end,” he said. “I hope that we will maintain this pride and this dignity tomorrow as we play against this great team of the Netherlands.”
Looking ahead, Renard did not rule out remaining involved with Tunisian football beyond the World Cup but emphasized that his immediate focus is on the final group-stage fixture.
“I’m open to any discussion. I’m ready to listen to the project, whatever it is, but this is not what I’m here for. I’ve got one mission,” he said. “After this last game, we’ll have to take stock of the situation.” He stated.
