Tunisia 2026 World Cup Preview – Tough Road Ahead for the Carthage Eagles in Group F
Tunisia return as one of Africa’s top World Cup regulars, aiming for a historic knockout stage appearance in 2026. While Tunisia impressed in CAF qualifying—remaining unbeaten and not conceding a goal—they remain outsiders (500/1 odds) to win the tournament, facing a tough Group F featuring Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Under new coach Sabri Lamouchi, they blend experience with emerging talent and rely on disciplined, defensive play. Realistically, their main objective will be to progress past the group stage—a feat yet to be achieved in their World Cup history.
- Tunisia qualified unbeaten for the 2026 World Cup, conceding zero goals.
- Placed in Group F with Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden; tough path ahead.
- Bookies list Tunisia as major outsiders; success means escaping the group.
Tunisia remain one of Africa’s regular representatives on the World Cup stage and head to North America hoping to improve their poor record at the tournament.
The Carthage Eagles cruised through CAF qualifying in impressive fashion, but expectations remain limited after an underwhelming showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in neighbouring Morocco.
World Cup History
Since becoming a FIFA member in 1960, Tunisia have qualified for seven World Cups, tied with Nigeria and Morocco for the second-most appearances by an African nation. Only Cameroon have featured more times among African teams.
The 2026 tournament marks Tunisia’s third consecutive World Cup appearance. Their debut came in 1978, when they became the first African nation to win a World Cup match after defeating Mexico 3–1. Despite their consistency in qualifying, the Carthage Eagles are still searching for their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages.
| Year | Host | Stage Reached |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Argentina | Group Stage |
| 1998 | France | Group Stage |
| 2002 | Korea/Japan | Group Stage |
| 2006 | Germany | Group Stage |
| 2018 | Russia | Group Stage |
| 2022 | Qatar | Group Stage |
The Road to 2026 – Defensive Steel Fuels Historic Run
Tunisia enjoyed a historic qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, storming through the CAF qualifiers unbeaten and winning nine of their 10 matches to finish top of Group H.
The Carthage Eagles dropped just two points, following a goalless draw against Namibia, but their biggest achievement came at the back. Tunisia did not concede a single goal throughout qualifying, becoming the first team in history to reach the World Cup without letting in a goal.
The Manager – Sabri Lamouchi
Sabri Lamouchi was appointed Tunisia head coach in January, replacing Sami Trabelsi with the task of restoring the Carthage Eagles’ competitiveness on the international stage. The former Ivory Coast coach has quickly imposed structure and discipline on the side, building around tactical organisation and experience.
Despite Tunisia’s strong World Cup qualifying campaign, their 2025 AFCON run ended disappointingly with a round-of-16 exit to Mali on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Still, Lamouchi has made an encouraging start, overseeing two clean sheets in his opening friendly matches, including one victory.
The Squad – Veteran Core, Young Energy for Tunisia
Tunisia’s 2026 World Cup squad consist of 26 players, blending experience with emerging talent across all areas of the pitch. In goal, Sabri Ben Hessen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh and Aymen Dahman provide dependable options, although none boast a major international pedigree.
Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn and Ali Abdi headline a defence built on organisation and discipline, while Yan Valery and Omar Rekik add versatility and energy.
Midfield is Tunisia’s strongest area, with Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira bringing experience and stability, while Hannibal Mejbri and Anis Ben Slimane offer creativity and attacking spark.
Elias Achouri is expected to lead the attack alongside exciting young talents like Khalil Ayari, Rayan Elloumi and Sebastian Tounekti, giving the Carthage Eagles pace and flair in forward areas.
| Pos | Player | Age | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Sabri Ben Hessen | 29 | 1 | 0 |
| GK | Abdelmouhib Chamakh | 24 | 1 | 0 |
| GK | Aymen Dahman | 29 | 37 | 0 |
| DF | Ali Abdi | 32 | 45 | 7 |
| DF | Adem Arous | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| DF | Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida | 30 | 12 | 0 |
| DF | Dylan Bronn | 30 | 52 | 2 |
| DF | Raed Chikhaoui | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| DF | Moutaz Neffati | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| DF | Omar Rekik | 24 | 4 | 0 |
| DF | Montassar Talbi | 27 | 62 | 4 |
| DF | Yan Valery | 27 | 21 | 0 |
| MF | Mortadha Ben Ouanes | 31 | 17 | 0 |
| MF | Anis Ben Slimane | 25 | 39 | 4 |
| MF | Ismael Gharbi | 22 | 15 | 2 |
| MF | Rani Khedira | 32 | 2 | 0 |
| MF | Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud | 26 | 7 | 0 |
| MF | Hannibal Mejbri | 23 | 44 | 1 |
| MF | Ellyes Skhiri | 31 | 81 | 4 |
| FW | Elias Achouri | 27 | 29 | 5 |
| FW | Khalil Ayari | 21 | 2 | 0 |
| FW | Firas Chaouat | 30 | 28 | 6 |
| FW | Rayan Elloumi | 18 | 2 | 0 |
| FW | Hazem Mastouri | 28 | 18 | 4 |
| FW | Elias Saad | 26 | 14 | 3 |
| FW | Sebastian Tounekti | 23 | 10 | 1 |
Players to Watch
Anis Ben Slimane: A composed and versatile midfielder, Ben Slimane brings energy, ball progression, and an eye for key passes in the final third.
Hannibal Mejbri: One of Tunisia’s brightest talents, Mejbri adds creativity, intensity, and flair, with the ability to unlock defences and drive the team forward.
Ellyes Skhiri: The midfield anchor and heartbeat of the side, Skhiri’s defensive awareness, passing range, and leadership make him central to Tunisia’s balance.
Elias Achouri: A direct and exciting attacking outlet, Achouri’s pace, dribbling, and unpredictability can trouble defenders and provide Tunisia with a spark in transition.
Group F Schedule and Path to the Final
Tunisia have been handed a difficult assignment in Group F alongside European giants Netherlands, as well as Japan and Sweden.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Sweden | Estadio BBVA, Nuevo Leon |
| June 21 | Japan | Estadio BBVA, Nuevo Leon |
| June 26 | Netherlands | Arrowhead Stadium, Missouri |
Should the Carthage Eagles finish top of the group, they would face the runners-up from Group C in the Round of 32. A second-place finish could prove even more challenging, potentially setting up a knockout clash against five-time world champions Brazil, who are Group C favourites.
Progressing as one of the best third-placed teams would likely hand Tunisia an even tougher route, with a meeting against another group winner awaiting in the knockout stages.
2026 World Cup Winner Betting Odds
Tunisia are not expected to challenge for the title and are valued at 500/1 alongside Korea Republic, Iran, and Australia, underlining just how unlikely bookmakers believe their chances of winning the World Cup are. Those odds imply a probability of less than 0.2%, placing the Carthage Eagles among the tournament’s biggest outsiders.
Realistically, their hopes will centre on making it out of the group stage and potentially causing an upset along the way. Their disciplined style, tournament experience, and defensive organisation could make them difficult opponents, especially against stronger nations that underestimate them.
| Teams | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spain | 5.50 |
| France | 6.00 |
| England | 7.00 |
| Brazil | 9.00 |
| Argentina | 9.00 |
| Portugal | 11.00 |
| Germany | 14.00 |
| Netherlands | 21.00 |
| Norway | 31.00 |
| Belgium | 36.00 |
| Colombia | 36.00 |
| Japan | 51.00 |
| Morocco | 51.00 |
| Uruguay | 66.00 |
| USA | 66.00 |
| Mexico | 81.00 |
| Switzerland | 81.00 |
| Ecuador | 81.00 |
| Croatia | 81.00 |
| Senegal | 81.00 |
| Turkey | 81.00 |
| Sweden | 101.00 |
| Paraguay | 151.00 |
| Austria | 151.00 |
| Canada | 151.00 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 251.00 |
| Scotland | 251.00 |
| Egypt | 301.00 |
| Ivory Coast | 301.00 |
| Ghana | 301.00 |
| Czech Republic | 301.00 |
| Algeria | 301.00 |
| Tunisia | 501.00 |
| Korea Republic | 501.00 |
| Iran | 501.00 |
| Australia | 501.00 |
| DR Congo | 751.00 |
| Qatar | 1,001.00 |
| South Africa | 1,001.00 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,001.00 |
| Panama | 1,501.00 |
| New Zealand | 1,501.00 |
| Uzbekistan | 1,501.00 |
| Iraq | 1,501.00 |
| Cape Verde | 2,001.00 |
| Curacao | 2,001.00 |
| Jordan | 2,501.00 |
| Haiti | 2,501.00 |
* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026
Group F Straight Forecast Betting Odds
Tunisia are not widely expected to progress from Group F and are considered outsiders to finish top. The Netherlands are strong favourites to win the group due to their superior quality.
However, Tunisia’s impressive defensive record and disciplined style could make them difficult opponents and give them a chance of upsetting expectations.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Netherlands/Japan | 3.75 |
| Netherlands/Sweden | 4.50 |
| Japan/Netherlands | 6.00 |
| Sweden/Netherlands | 7.00 |
| Netherlands/Tunisia | 10.00 |
| Japan/Sweden | 10.00 |
| Sweden/Japan | 11.00 |
| Tunisia/Netherlands | 23.00 |
| Japan/Tunisia | 31.00 |
| Sweden/Tunisia | 36.00 |
| Tunisia/Japan | 51.00 |
| Tunisia/Sweden | 101.00 |
* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026
Tunisia Stage of Elimination
With the expanded World Cup format offering more knockout spots, Tunisia still have an outside chance of surpassing their previous tournament performances.
The Carthage Eagles are not expected to reach the Round of 32, but their disciplined style and defensive strength could help them spring a surprise. If they do progress, however, how far they advance will likely depend heavily on the knockout draw.
| Stage | Odds |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 1.66 |
| Round of 32 | 2.10 |
| Round of 16 | 5.00 |
| Quarter-finals | 11.00 |
| Semi-finals | 36.00 |
| Runner-up | 151.00 |
| Winner | 501.00 |
* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026
2026 World Cup Top African Team Betting Odds
Tunisia are not viewed as Africa’s strongest hope for a deep World Cup run, with Morocco and Senegal leading the continent’s chances. Ivory Coast and Egypt are also rated ahead of the Carthage Eagles.
| Teams | Odds |
|---|---|
| Morocco | 3.25 |
| Senegal | 4.50 |
| Ivory Coast | 6.50 |
| Egypt | 8.00 |
| Algeria | 10.00 |
| Ghana | 11.00 |
| Tunisia | 15.00 |
| DR Congo | 17.00 |
| South Africa | 21.00 |
| Cape Verde | 31.00 |
* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026
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