Tunisia: Hoping To Fly Past Group Phase

Tunisia will be appearing in the FIFA World Cup for the seventh time, with three in a row. A remarkable achievement it is but in all previous participations, they have been unable to realise one feat: passing the group phase of the competition. This edition, Tunisia are placed in a complex Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden. Japan are at their record eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance. The Netherlands have contested three FIFA World Cup finals from 11 previous successful qualifications and have reached the knockout phase of every tournament they have participated in since 1974 onwards. Sweden will be competing in their 13th FIFA World Cup and will be looking to match their incredible third‑place finish at USA 1994. Tunisia understands they have a hard nut to crack and are preparing accordingly. Sabri Lamouchi will be on the touchline for Tunisia at the World Cup after the departure of Sami Trabelsi following their exit in the 2025 AFCON. The former France international is no stranger to guiding a team at the global showpiece, having served as Côte d'Ivoire head coach at Brazil 2014. In May 2026, he revealed the list of 26 Eagles of Carthage for the World Cup. The coach is relying on an experienced base, made up of players such as Hannibal Mejbri, Ellyes Skhiri, Ali Abdi and Elias Achouri, amongst others...