The 2026 FIFA World Cup has not only produced surprises on the pitch but has also claimed its first managerial casualties, with three national team coaches leaving their positions following disappointing performances.
Tunisia’s Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach to lose his job at the tournament after he was dismissed following his side’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F match.
The Tunisian Football Federation acted swiftly after the humiliating loss, replacing the former Ivory Coast coach with Hervé Renard in a bid to revive the team’s campaign. Lamouchi’s dismissal marked the earliest managerial sacking in World Cup history, coming after just one game.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke also departed after his team’s failure to progress beyond the group stage.
Clarke stepped down shortly after Scotland’s elimination was confirmed, bringing an end to his lengthy spell in charge. Before the tournament, the 62-year-old had indicated that failing to reach the knockout rounds could signal the end of his tenure.
South Korea also witnessed a managerial change after head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned following the country’s shock group-stage exit.
Hong’s resignation came amid mounting criticism over South Korea’s disappointing campaign. Reports indicated that President Lee Jae-myung had called for an investigation into the national team’s failure, increasing pressure on the former international to step aside.
With the tournament now entering the knockout rounds, more coaching changes could follow as football federations assess their teams’ performances on the world’s biggest stage.
