The Tunisian national football team: The journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

embarks on The Tunisian national football team a new era filled with hopes and challenges under the leadership of French coach of Tunisian descent, Sabri Lamouchi, who succeeded Sami Trabelsi. Tunisian fans have their sights set on one main objective: leading the "Eagles of Carthage" to a historic achievement at the 2026 World Cup finals, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This change in coaching staff comes in the wake of a disappointing exit from the Round of 16 at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, a result that prompted the Tunisian Football Federation to seek a new vision capable of restoring the national team to its leading position on both the continental and international stages. The appointment of Lamouchi, whose contract runs until July 2028, represents an investment in a long-term project aimed at building a competitive team capable of achieving what previous generations have failed to do.

History of the Carthage Eagles in the World Cup

The Tunisian national team boasts a rich history on the world stage, having participated in six previous World Cups: 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Despite this consistent presence, the "Eagles of Carthage" have never managed to advance beyond the group stage. Their debut appearance at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina remains the most memorable, when Tunisia became the first African team to achieve a World Cup victory, defeating Mexico 3-1. Today, the current generation, led by coach Lamouchi, aims to break this streak and achieve an unprecedented feat by reaching the knockout stages.

roster The Tunisian national football team: a mix of experience and youth

The coaching staff, led by Sabri Lamouchi, announced the squad that will compete in the upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. The squad includes 26 players, combining experienced veterans with promising young talents. The list is as follows:

• Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahman, Sabri Ben Hassan, Muhib Al-Shamikh.
• Defense line: Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Omar Rekik, Ali Abdi, Yan Valery, Adam Arous, Raed Chikhaoui, Moataz Nefati.
• Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Rani Khedira, Hannibal Mejbri, Anis Ben Slimane, Haj Mahmoud, Ismail Gharbi, Mortadha Ben Ouanes.
• Forwards: Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, Firas Chaouat, Hazem Mestouri, Khalil Ayari, Sebastian Tounkti, Rayan Loumi, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida.

This lineup reflects the new coach's vision of relying on players active in different European leagues, alongside local league stars, with the aim of creating a strong and cohesive combination capable of competing strongly in the African qualifiers for the World Cup and fulfilling the ambitions of the Tunisian fans.