Tunisia return to the FIFA World Cup under new manager Sabri Lamouchi, bringing a squad that blends established European-based players with fresh faces and a handful of experienced names from Qatar 2022. The Carthage Eagles are making their sixth World Cup appearance and remain Africa's most consistent qualifiers over the past three decades.
Lamouchi has made bold selections, leaving out established figures like Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah while calling in Rani Khedira, Khalil Ayari and Rayan Elloumi. Ellyes Skhiri remains the midfield anchor, and Hannibal Mejbri is the player with the most to prove on the European stage.
Group F: Netherlands · Japan · Sweden · Tunisia
Opening match: Sweden vs Tunisia — 14 June 2026, Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabri Ben Hessen | Goalkeeper | Etoile Sahel | 0 |
| Abdelmouhib Chamakh | Goalkeeper | Club Africain | 0 |
| Aymen Dahman | Goalkeeper | CS Sfaxien | 1 (2022) |
| Ali Abdi | Defender | Nice | 1 (2022) |
| Adem Arous | Defender | Kasimpasa | 0 |
| Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida | Defender | Espérance | 1 (2022) |
| Dylan Bronn | Defender | Servette Geneva | 2 (2018, 2022) |
| Raed Chikhaoui | Defender | US Monastir | 0 |
| Moutaz Neffati | Defender | Norrköping | 0 |
| Omar Rekik | Defender | NK Maribor | 0 |
| Montassar Talbi | Defender | Lorient | 1 (2022) |
| Yan Valery | Defender | Young Boys Berne | 0 |
| Mortadha Ben Ouanes | Midfielder | Kasimpasa | 1 (2022) |
| Anis Ben Slimane | Midfielder | Norwich City | 1 (2022) |
| Ismael Gharbi | Midfielder | FC Augsburg | 0 |
| Rani Khedira | Midfielder | Union Berlin | 0 |
| Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud | Midfielder | Lugano | 0 |
| Hannibal Mejbri | Midfielder | Burnley | 1 (2022) |
| Ellyes Skhiri | Midfielder | Eintracht Frankfurt | 2 (2018, 2022) |
| Elias Achouri | Forward | FC Copenhagen | 0 |
| Khalil Ayari | Forward | Paris Saint-Germain | 0 |
| Firas Chaouat | Forward | Club Africain | 0 |
| Rayan Elloumi | Forward | Vancouver Whitecaps | 0 |
| Hazem Mastouri | Forward | Dynamo Makhachkala | 0 |
| Elias Saad | Forward | Hannover 96 | 0 |
| Sebastian Tounekti | Forward | Celtic | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
Ellyes Skhiri is the most experienced and reliable player in the squad. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder has two World Cups behind him and brings a reading of the game, defensive positioning and ability to break up opposition attacks that Tunisia depend on at the base of midfield. Without him, the team is vulnerable.
Hannibal Mejbri is the player carrying the biggest expectations. The Burnley midfielder — just 21 years old — has been considered one of the most promising young players in European football for several years. A World Cup at this age, with the platform that comes with it, is the opportunity to finally deliver on that potential.
Khalil Ayari is one of the most intriguing selections. The Paris Saint-Germain forward brings pace, directness and the experience of training with world-class players at club level. As a wide attacker, his ability to create problems in one-on-one situations could be crucial for how Tunisia unlock compact defences.
Group Stage Outlook
Group F is difficult. The Netherlands are the group's top seeds and possess quality across every position. Japan, as demonstrated in Qatar, are capable of beating elite European opposition. Sweden have arguably the most dangerous attack of any team in the group.
Tunisia's approach will be pragmatic. Defensive solidity, hard work without the ball, and making the most of set pieces and counter-attacking moments are the foundations Lamouchi will build on. Tunisia have shown at previous World Cups that they can frustrate better-resourced opponents.
The opening game against Sweden is the most important. A draw or better would create momentum and give Tunisia belief going into their subsequent fixtures. Tunisia have the players to compete — whether the team functions as a unit is the real question.
Tunisia's World Cup History
This is Tunisia's sixth FIFA World Cup, a record that makes them one of Africa's most consistent qualifiers. They have never advanced beyond the group stage, but their performances have been competitive across multiple tournaments.
At Qatar 2022, Tunisia beat France 1-0 in the group stage — a result that resonated across the Arab world. Lamouchi will hope his players can find that kind of resilience again.
FAQ
Who manages Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup?
Sabri Lamouchi, who took charge of the national team ahead of the 2026 qualifying campaign.
How many times has Tunisia qualified for the World Cup?
The 2026 tournament is Tunisia's sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, making them one of Africa's most prolific qualifiers.
Who are Tunisia's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Ellyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn and Khalil Ayari are among the most important players in the squad.
When do Tunisia play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Tunisia open Group F against Sweden on 14 June 2026 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.