Tunisia are one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup nations – seven appearances and counting. But every previous tournament has ended in the group stage.
Under Sabri Lamouchi – a French-Tunisian coach famously cut from France’s 1998 World Cup squad before the tournament – the Carthage Eagles arrive in North America determined to finally break that cycle.
Lamouchi was appointed in January 2026 replacing Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia’s AFCON exit to Mali on penalties.
How they got there
Tunisia’s qualifying campaign under Trabelsi was historically remarkable – they became the first nation in World Cup history to qualify without conceding a single goal across ten matches.
Eight wins and two draws – 22 goals scored, zero conceded. Lamouchi inherited that qualified squad and has spent the pre-tournament window embedding his compact 4-2-3-1 system built on defensive discipline and quick transitions.
Best ever World Cup finish
Tunisia have appeared at seven World Cups – in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022 – without ever advancing beyond the group stage.
Their most agonising exit came at Qatar 2022 when they beat defending champions France 1-0 but were eliminated as Australia beat Denmark simultaneously in the other group match.
The 2026 tournament represents their clearest opportunity yet to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Iconic moments
Two moments define Tunisia’s World Cup history. In 1978 they became the first African nation to win a World Cup match – beating Mexico 3-1 in Argentina.
In 2022 Wahbi Khazri’s goal gave Tunisia a famous victory over France in Qatar – a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament but could not save them from elimination.
Players to watch
Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt) – The 31-year-old captain is the heartbeat of Tunisia’s midfield. With 81 international caps he is the most experienced player in the squad and the only Tunisian to have featured in Champions League football this season. His defensive discipline and ability to control tempo are central to everything Lamouchi builds.
Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley) – The 23-year-old is Tunisia’s most creative midfielder. A former Manchester United academy product who chose Tunisia over France, Mejbri brings pace, technical quality and Premier League experience to a squad that needs individual brilliance to unlock Group F’s stronger sides.
Fixtures
15 Jun: Sweden vs Tunisia – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 04:00 SAST
21 Jun: Tunisia vs Japan – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 06:00 SAST
26 Jun: Tunisia vs Netherlands – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 01:00 SAST
Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
