Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Tunisia

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Tunisia, who have replaced their coach since sealing qualification.

What can I expect from Tunisia?

A well-drilled team who ultimately lack the quality to progress from a difficult group.

Sabri Lamouchi's side are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, although the former France international will have taken charge of just four friendlies before the Eagles of Carthage step out against Sweden on June 14.

The basis of their success in reaching this tournament was a rock-solid defensive structure – Tunisia became the first nation in history to complete a World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a single goal (a record quickly matched by Ivory Coast and England).

Recent addition Rani Khedira should add some bite to midfield, while most attacks go through Burnley playmaker Hannibal. Can the injection of some new blood add more excitement to their pragmatic style?

What are Tunisia's strengths?

A first-choice back four boasting more than 180 caps between them can rely on protection from the wily pairing of Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira. Their defensive nous and physicality ensure they are hard to break down, as the goals against column in qualifying attests to – albeit against weak opposition.

And what about their weaknesses?

What little attacking flair they have will be further limited if the injury Hannibal picked up in a pre-tournament friendly against Austria causes him to miss the opening game. Boss Sabri Lamouchi has only been in situ for five months, limiting preparations, and he needs to unearth goals somehow.

How might Tunisia line up?

Which players should I look out for?

There's a decent Bundesliga flavour to Tunisia's squad and no player has more caps than Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, 31. He played in this season's Champions League and is likely to captain the side in what is his third World Cup.

A precocious talent when he emerged at Manchester United, Hannibal Mejbri was often Tunisia's brightest spark at a disappointing 2025 Afcon, which interrupted a patchy season at relegated Burnley. The 23-year-old played 10 minutes at Qatar 2022.

A two-time Tunisia Footballer of the Year, Nice left-back Ali Abdi, 32, started all three games at Qatar 2022 and has Europa League experience. Scores plenty for a defender and takes a mean penalty.

Who is Tunisia's head coach?

Former France midfielder Sabri Lamouchi, 54, has ruffled a few feathers with his squad selections. His Ivory Coast side were knocked out at the group stage in 2014. "I'm here to achieve success and excellence, not to fail," he declared this time.

How did Tunisia qualify?

Topped an easy group unbeaten without conceding a goal, winning nine of their 10 games under three coaches – the best record in African qualifying.

Where can I watch Tunisia?

All of Tunisia's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Including interims, Tunisia had five different coaches during Africa's lengthy qualification process – but current boss Sabri Lamouchi wasn't one of them. The former Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City manager's appointment was met with some backlash because he represented France in his playing days, despite qualifying for Tunisia.

Now give me some proper detail

The Eagles of Carthage are no stranger to the big stage. This is their third consecutive World Cup and seventh in total – only Cameroon (eight) have reached more among the African nations.

Alas, they've yet to progress beyond the group stage, and it would be a shock if they did so this time around with the fifth-youngest squad in the competition.

Sabri Lamouchi took over from Sami Trabelsi in January, the latter having overseen a limp 2025 Afcon that ended in the last 16. Trabelsi oversaw six of the qualifiers, but four others were at the helm in a two-year spell, indicative of the somewhat temperamental approach of the Tunisian FA.

That turbulence hasn't died down with Lamouchi in the hotseat. He labelled some games in the domestic league "really very boring" in his first press conference. His first squad, which featured 10 new faces at the expense of several experienced players, came in for criticism.

Most recently, promising Karlsruhe forward Louey Ben Farhat rejected a World Cup call-up through his dad. Lamouchi said the teenager's refusal to answer his phone calls showed "a lack of respect".

The storylines off the pitch are in stark contrast to Tunisia's well-drilled approach on it. They will need to be at their disciplined best to make any impact on this tournament.

How have Tunisia done at previous World Cups?

Tunisia's shock group-stage win against France in 2022 was only their third victory across six World Cup appearances. This is their third successive World Cup.