Tunisia TUN

Tunisia arrive at the 2026 World Cup ranked 46th in the world under manager Sabri Lamouchi, representing CAF with a squad built heavily from the country's diaspora. After six World Cup appearances and six group-stage exits, the Eagles of Carthage carry the weight of unfinished history into this tournament, determined to finally break through the barrier that has defined their international story.

Lamouchi's side earned their place with a qualifying campaign of genuine substance, keeping a clean sheet throughout the entire process — a defensive record that speaks to both organisation and collective discipline. The coach has also won admirers for his willingness to blood younger talent, bringing a sense of renewal and ambition to a programme that needed fresh energy.

The creative heartbeat of this Tunisia side is Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley, whose ability to unlock defences will be central to any hopes of progression. Yet that reliance on one standout talent also highlights a broader concern: this is a squad that lacks elite experience across the board, and in a demanding group, finding the space and freedom to express themselves will be a real challenge.

Among the names to watch are Ellyes Skhiri, Aymen Dahmen, Montassar Talbi, Omar Rekik, Dylan Bronn, Ismaël Gharbi, Rani Khedira, Khalil Ayari, Ali Abdi, Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, Rayan Elloumi, Firas Chaouat, Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida, Raed Chikhaoui, and Anis Ben Slimane — a roster that blends defensive solidity with flashes of attacking promise. Whether the collective can rise to the occasion and end that run of six consecutive first-round departures remains the defining question hanging over this Eagles squad.