This report is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, which includes top media organizations from all 48 nations that qualified. Leading up to the tournament’s kickoff on June 11, previews from three countries will be shared daily.
The Strategy Ahead
Tunisia achieved an impressive qualification campaign, not conceding a single goal in ten matches—a record they share with Côte d’Ivoire in Africa. However, the coaching staff experienced significant turnover during this period. Three different coaches navigated the team towards the World Cup: Jalel Kadri, Montasser Louhichi, and Sami Trabelsi. Kadri, who currently manages Al-Hazem in Saudi Arabia, was at the helm for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Following Tunisia’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Trabelsi was succeeded by the current manager, Sabri Lamouchi.
During his inaugural press conference, Lamouchi expressed,
“I am Tunisian, my roots are Tunisian, and I am happy to be here.”
This sentiment carries weight; in 1993, Lamouchi was on the verge of representing Tunisia instead of France. Though he participated in warm-ups, he never stepped onto the field, a decision that still haunts him and the fans. The details surrounding that moment differ between Lamouchi and Youssef Zouaoui, the coach at the time, but the result remains unchanged: Lamouchi never donned the Tunisian jersey, a memory that still stings for supporters.
Tunisia: Match Schedule in Group F
14 June vs. Sweden, Monterrey (8 PM local, 15 June 3 AM BST, 15 June noon AEST)
20 June vs. Japan, Monterrey (9 PM local, 21 June 5 AM BST, 21 June 2 PM AEST)
25 June vs. Netherlands, Kansas City (6 PM local, 26 June midnight BST, 26 June 9 AM AEST)
Under Lamouchi’s guidance, the team’s first training camp took place in March, featuring two friendly matches. His initial squad selection marked a decisive change, signaling a shift towards younger talent. Lamouchi’s commitment to this direction was evident when he announced,
“For the 2026 World Cup, there will only be three goalkeepers.”
This was a notable departure from the previous World Cup, where taking four goalkeepers had stirred considerable debate. This time, Lamouchi has remained true to his word.
From a tactical standpoint, Lamouchi opted for a 4-3-3 formation during his debut match against Haiti. He later experimented with a 4-2-3-1 setup in a following game against Canada. How he approaches the World Cup matches will be closely monitored.
The Coach’s Background
Sabri Lamouchi boasts a storied playing career, having won Ligue 1 titles with both Monaco and Auxerre in France, and playing for Parma and Inter in Italy. His coaching journey began with the Côte d’Ivoire national team in 2012, where he reached the quarter-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and exited the 2014 World Cup at the group stage. Lamouchi has since managed several clubs, including Rennes, where he coached Wahbi Khazri—a legendary figure in Tunisian football who now assists him—alongside stints at Nottingham Forest, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Despite 14 years in management, Lamouchi is still pursuing his first significant trophy. His contract for this World Cup lacks specific objectives, yet clear targets have been established for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Key Player to Watch
Hannibal Mejbri has emerged as a pivotal figure for Tunisia since choosing to represent the nation in 2021. After transferring from Monaco to Manchester United for around £8 million, Mejbri faced challenges in securing a spot on the team. His subsequent loan spells at Birmingham and Sevilla saw gradual improvement, eventually leading to a permanent move to Burnley two years ago. Wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt previously held by Wahbi Khazri, Hannibal has become the playmaker, unofficial captain, and standout star of the team. His popularity is undeniable; fans clamor for his jersey and seek photos with him. While he only played 10 minutes during the last World Cup, his role has drastically evolved since then, making him an essential name on the team sheet.
A Rising Talent
Ismaël Gharbi, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder developed at Paris Saint-Germain, is set to shine on the global stage. Born in Paris to a Tunisian father and a Spanish mother, Gharbi idolized Cristiano Ronaldo, stating,
“I used to copy everything he did, from his haircut to his boots,”
as well as Isco and Eden Hazard. Currently on loan from Braga to Augsburg for the 2025-26 season, Gharbi’s situation has become challenging after the coach who recruited him, Sandro Wagner, was dismissed shortly after he arrived. Nevertheless, he has one significant advantage: Sabri Lamouchi’s confidence in him, resulting in his inclusion in Tunisia’s World Cup lineup.
Unsung Hero
Left-back Ali Abdi has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the national team, even while coping with a hernia issue. For years, he played behind Ali Maâloul, one of Tunisia’s all-time greats in that position. After a lengthy time as a substitute, Abdi finally secured a starting spot and has since battled through physical challenges. His contributions have been vital, both defensively and offensively. Following defeats, he often took the initiative to face the media, supporting his teammates, clarifying situations, and addressing fans’ concerns.
Projected Starting Lineup
What Fans Can Anticipate
Tunisia is expected to receive enthusiastic and dedicated support, despite the financial burden of traveling to the United States and Mexico for group matches. It’s worth noting that aside from the incidents involving Tunisian and English fans prior to the 1998 World Cup match in Marseille, Tunisia’s supporters have not cultivated a reputation for violence. In fact, during the World Cups in Russia and Qatar, they acted as ambassadors for their country, even promoting tourism initiatives. Videos capturing their travels and the lively atmosphere they created have become enduring symbols of this spirit.
Political Relations with the U.S.
Neither the players nor officials from the Tunisian football federation have made any public comments regarding former President Donald Trump or his administration’s policies. Regarding ticket prices, Tunisian fans, like many others, expressed their frustrations. Nonetheless, the Tunisian federation has offered lower-priced tickets for supporters. Additionally, a $15,000 visa deposit requirement was waived by the Trump administration for Tunisian fans traveling to the U.S. with valid match tickets.
