Online Reporter
TUNISIA completed their qualification campaign in impressive fashion, going through 10 matches without conceding a single goal. This remarkable defensive record places them alongside Côte d’Ivoire as the only teams in Africa to achieve such a feat. However, while results on the pitch remained steady, there was far less stability on the touchline.
Over the course of the campaign, Tunisia were guided by three different coaches: Jalel Kadri, Montasser Louhichi and Sami Trabelsi. Kadri, who is now managing Al-Hazem in Saudi Arabia, had previously led the team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Trabelsi later took charge, but his stint was short-lived, as he was replaced by the current head coach, Sabri Lamouchi, shortly after Tunisia’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Lamouchi’s appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter for Tunisian football. Speaking at his first Press conference, he made clear his emotional connection to the role. “I am Tunisian, my roots are Tunisian, and I am happy to be here,” Lamouchi said during his first Press conference.
His arrival is significant for reasons that go beyond football. Back in 1993, Lamouchi came close to representing Tunisia as a player instead of France. He had travelled, taken part in the warm-up, but never made it onto the pitch. He did not return afterwards. Accounts of what happened differ between Lamouchi and the then coach Youssef Zouaoui, but the outcome was the same: Lamouchi never wore the Tunisia shirt. It remains a painful memory, one that supporters have not forgotten.
Lamouchi’s first training camp took place in March and included two friendly matches. From the start, it was clear that change was coming. His first squad selection pointed towards a rebuild, with a focus on young players who could form the core of the team for years to come.
He also addressed one of the most talked-about decisions from the previous World Cup. “For the 2026 World Cup, there will only be three goalkeepers.” This was a direct response to criticism over Tunisia’s choice to take four goalkeepers to Qatar, a move that had sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits. This time, Lamouchi kept his promise, signalling a more balanced approach to squad selection.
Tactically, he has also shown flexibility. In his first match against Haiti, Tunisia lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. A few days later, against Canada, Lamouchi changed things and used a 4-2-3-1 system. It remains unclear which approach he will favour during the World Cup, and that uncertainty could make Tunisia difficult to predict.
The coach
Sabri Lamouchi enjoyed a strong playing career, particularly in France, where he won Ligue 1 titles with both Monaco and Auxerre. He also had spells in Italy, turning out for Parma and Inter Milan.
His journey into coaching began in 2012 when he took charge of the Côte d’Ivoire national team. There, he guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations before exiting the 2014 World Cup at the group stage.
Since then, Lamouchi has worked across several leagues and countries. He managed Rennes, where he coached Wahbi Khazri — a key figure in Tunisian football who is now part of Lamouchi’s coaching staff. He also had a spell at Nottingham Forest before moving to work in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Despite his experience, Lamouchi is still chasing his first major trophy after 14 years in management. Interestingly, his contract does not include a specific target for the World Cup. However, expectations are much clearer when it comes to the next Africa Cup of Nations, where defined objectives have been set.
Star player
Hannibal Mejbri has grown into the face of the Tunisian national team. The midfielder, who chose to represent Tunisia in 2021, has developed into a key figure both on and off the pitch.
After joining Manchester United from Monaco for a reported £8 million, Hannibal initially struggled to break into the first team. Loan spells at Birmingham City and Sevilla followed, but his form has steadily improved since making a permanent move to Burnley two years ago.
Now wearing Wahbi Khazri’s famous No. 10 shirt, Hannibal has taken on the role with confidence. He is not only the team’s main playmaker but also an unofficial leader and the undisputed star. His popularity is clear — supporters want his shirt, and many seek photos with him.
At the last World Cup, he featured for just 10 minutes. Since then, his status has changed completely. Today, he is the first name on the team sheet and a central figure in Tunisia’s plans.
One to watch
Ismaël Gharbi is another exciting talent who could make an impact. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, developed at Paris Saint-Germain, now has a chance to showcase his ability on the world stage.
Born in Paris to a Tunisian father and a mother from Madrid, Gharbi grew up idolising some of football’s biggest stars. “I used to copy everything he did, from his haircut to his boots,” he told Fifa last year, speaking about Cristiano Ronaldo. He has also cited Isco and Eden Hazard as major influences.
On loan from Braga to Augsburg for the 2025–26 season, Gharbi has faced challenges. The coach who brought him to Germany, Sandro Wagner, was dismissed just weeks after his arrival, limiting his opportunities.
Despite this, he has one key advantage — the trust of Sabri Lamouchi, who has included him in the World Cup squad.
Unsung hero
Ali Abdi represents determination and resilience. The left-back has battled through injury problems, including a persistent hernia issue, yet has always remained committed to the national team.
For years, he had to compete with Ali Maâloul, widely regarded as one of Tunisia’s best players in that position. As a result, Abdi spent much of his time as a substitute. But when his opportunity finally came, he took it.
Since then, he has become a reliable presence, contributing both defensively and going forward. His commitment extends beyond the pitch as well. After defeats, he was often the first player to face the media, taking responsibility, defending his teammates and apologising to supporters.
What to expect from fans at games?
Tunisia are expected to be backed by strong and passionate support, even with the high cost of travel to the United States and Mexico for the group matches.
Historically, Tunisian fans have not been associated with violence. Apart from isolated incidents involving England supporters before the 1998 World Cup match in Marseille, they have built a positive reputation.
In more recent tournaments, including those held in Russia and Qatar, Tunisian supporters acted as ambassadors for their country.
They even took part in initiatives promoting tourism, while videos of their travels and the lively atmosphere they created became widely shared.
Relationship with the US/Trump?
Neither the players nor officials from the Tunisian football federation have made public statements regarding Donald Trump or his administration’s policies.
However, ticket pricing has been a concern among Tunisian supporters, as it has been for fans from many nations. In response, the Tunisian federation has made efforts to provide more affordable options for those wishing to attend matches.
Additionally, a $15 000 visa deposit requirement has been waived by the Trump administration for Tunisian supporters travelling to the United States with valid match tickets, easing the process for fans hoping to follow their team.
λ Written by Ahmed Adala for Radio Mosaïque FM.
