Changing managers in the middle of a major international tournament is not entirely unheard of, nor necessarily disastrous, but making such a move after just one match at a World Cup clearly indicates that something went awry in the earlier decision-making process.

The 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly hold a special place in the chronicles of Tunisian football, remembered as the campaign that began with Sabri Lamouchi at the helm for a solitary 90 minutes against Sweden, and likely to conclude under the guidance of the much-acclaimed Herve Renard.

Tunisia’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden was a disastrous opening, leaving them with a mountain to climb to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 32 alive.

Tunisia WIN - 11/2

Draw - 14/5

Japan WIN - 8/15

Renard’s first assignment as Tunisia’s new coach will be their second Group F encounter against Japan at Estadio BBVA. From Japan’s perspective, the group remains delicately balanced after they began their campaign with a draw against the Netherlands.

Sweden currently sit atop the group with three points and will face the Dutch next. A victory for Japan in Monterrey would give them a strong foothold in the group and virtually guarantee their progression to the knockout stage.

The Samurai Blue offered glimpses of their resilience in their opening match, twice coming from behind to equalise — a hallmark of Hajime Moriyasu’s side and their determined style of play.

Conceding those goals was uncharacteristic for Japan, given they had previously recorded five consecutive clean sheets against Ghana, Bolivia, Scotland, England and Iceland. That impressive run had been preceded by a thrilling 3-2 win over Brazil.

For Tunisia, this scenario feels all too familiar. They have been knocked out at the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances and have never advanced beyond it.

Japan, however, have far loftier ambitions. The nation’s football authorities have made no secret of their long-term goal — to build a team capable of winning the World Cup in the coming decades — and their steady progress suggests that this vision is not far-fetched.

After holding their own against the Netherlands and with a final group fixture against Sweden still to come if necessary, Moriyasu’s Japan go into this match as clear favourites and are widely expected to emerge from the group without trouble.

A defeat for Tunisia would end their World Cup 2026 journey. With only three points still potentially available and a must-win clash against the Netherlands ahead, the heavy loss to Sweden has left them with little margin for error.

For Renard, making his debut as Tunisia’s coach, it truly is a case of now or never.

Fans can watch Tunisia vs Japan in Group F of the 2026 World Cup live and for free. Full details are available in the official broadcast guide.

The match will be shown live on BBC in the United Kingdom, FS1 in the United States, and SBS in Australia.

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