Tunisian Football Federation Races to Find New Head Coach Following Ramsi’s Dismissal

The Tunisian Football Federation is taking swift action to secure a permanent head coach after Sabri Ramsi was unceremoniously relieved of his duties during the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Ramsi faced the axe following a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in the team’s opening group match.

In the aftermath of Ramsi’s departure, the Carthage Eagles are reportedly in discussions with several candidates, with Hervé Renard emerging as the leading contender for the role. Various sources indicate that Mondel Kebayer, the Tunisian FA’s technical director, may step in as the interim manager. Reports suggest that it would be beneficial for Renard to be appointed before Tunisia’s next game against Japan on June 21 at Monterrey Stadium, though no official confirmation of this appointment has been released.

Explosive Opening Match: Sweden Dominates Tunisia

The outcome of the match was unexpected, especially given Tunisia’s strong showing throughout the qualifying rounds. In stark contrast, Sweden delivered a remarkable performance, achieving a decisive 5-1 victory that showcased their offensive prowess on the World Cup stage.

Sweden’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring two stunning long-range goals from Yassin Ayari. Alexander Isak, Victor Gökeres, and Matthias Svanberg also contributed to the team’s impressive tally, marking one of the most memorable performances of the tournament thus far.

From Disarray to Dominance: Sweden’s Transformation

Sweden’s qualification journey was anything but smooth. The team struggled significantly, failing to secure any victories and finishing at the bottom of their qualifying group. Accordingly, few experts predicted they would perform well against a Tunisia squad noted for its strong defensive capabilities.

Ayari took the lead just seven minutes into the match, launching a breathtaking long-range effort into the top corner of the net. Sweden maintained control, and Alexander Isak extended the lead in the 29th minute, finishing a quick counter-attack initiated by Gökeres.

Tunisia Shows Glimmers of Hope

Tunisia appeared to shift momentum just before halftime when Omar Rekik capitalized on an assist from Hannibal Mejbri, sending the teams into the break with a score of 2-1. The Tunisian side began to probe for an equalizer in the second half, revealing their determination to turn the match around.

Sweden Restores Control

However, Gökeres quickly dampened Tunisia’s hopes, scoring in the 59th minute to re-establish Sweden’s two-goal advantage. The tide further turned when substitute Matthias Svanberg set a new record for the fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history, netting just 18 seconds after entering the game.

A Historic Night for Sweden

Ayari capped off an extraordinary evening by scoring his second goal just before the final whistle. His powerful effort from the edge of the box left Tunisian goalkeeper pleased with nothing but disappointment. This comprehensive win marked the first occasion since the 1938 World Cup that Sweden had scored five goals in a single World Cup match.

As a result of this historic performance, coach Graham Potter’s side sits atop Group F, boasting a two-point lead over the Netherlands and Japan, who played to a 2-2 draw earlier in the day. Despite a challenging qualifying campaign with zero wins, Sweden has made a resounding statement in the World Cup, asserting their presence on the world stage.