Newly appointed Tunisia head coach Hervé Renard has urged his players to keep their concentration levels high as the side prepares to face Japan in their second FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage fixture in Monterrey, Mexico.

Renard took charge in dramatic circumstances following Tunisia's 5-1 defeat to Sweden — a result that cost former coach Sabri Lamouchi his job. The French tactician was parachuted in with minimal preparation time, facing the immediate task of rebuilding morale and restoring belief within the squad.

A familiar replacement

This is not the first time Renard has stepped into a role previously held by Lamouchi. In 2014, he succeeded his compatriot as head coach of Ivory Coast after their group stage exit at that year's World Cup, going on to win the Africa Cup of Nations with the Elephants.

Renard also holds one of football's most celebrated upsets to his name — masterminding Saudi Arabia's shock 2-1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, a result that reverberated around the globe.

Renard speaks to reporters

Speaking to reporters at Tunisia's training ground, only hours after landing in Monterrey, Renard struck a composed tone despite the whirlwind nature of his appointment.