The Tunisia World Cup 2026 squad is a diverse group of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and top-tier professionals who will represent North Africa at their third consecutive FIFA World Cup. Head coach Sabri Lamouchi has named a heavily changed 26-man roster featuring club stars from across the globe, with Eintracht Frankfurt captain Ellyes Skhiri set to lead the team as it faces Group F opponents including the Netherlands and Japan.
Key Takeaways
- The Tunisia World Cup 2026 squad was officially announced by head coach Sabri Lamouchi on May 15, 2026.
- Carthage Eagles captain Ellyes Skhiri will anchor the midfield during the team’s third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.
- Qualifying hero Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and veteran forward Seifeddine Jaziri were surprise omissions from the final roster.
- Tunisia opens Group F play against Sweden on June 14, 2026, at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
- The squad features players based in leagues across Europe, Russia, and MLS, with no significant injury news reported for any key figures.
Who Is Leading the Tunisia World Cup 2026 Squad?
Sabri Lamouchi serves as the head coach for the Tunisian national team, known as the “Carthage Eagles” (Aigles de Carthage), heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This tournament marks a historic milestone for Tunisia as it becomes their seventh overall World Cup appearance and their third consecutive one, following back-to-back appearances in 2018 and 2022.
The coaching staff is tasked with navigating a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While Tunisia has never advanced past the group stage at any World Cup, they hold a historic achievement from the 1978 edition where they became the first African nation to win a World Cup match by beating Mexico 3-1. Lamouchi was appointed on January 14, 2026, inheriting an already qualified team after parting ways with Sami Trabelsi in early January. There is currently no significant injury news affecting any key players, allowing the squad to train together without disruptions.
What Are the Latest Team News and Omissions for the Carthage Eagles?
The most significant team news concerns surprise omissions made by Lamouchi when naming his much-changed 26-man squad on May 15, 2026. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane — the team’s top scorer in qualifying with four goals and the man whose 94th-minute winner sealed qualification against Equatorial Guinea — was left out of the final roster.
Veteran forward Seifeddine Jaziri was also omitted from the squad. These decisions were competitive selection choices by the new coach rather than injury-related withdrawals, as there is no significant injury news for any player in the Tunisian camp leading up to the tournament.
What Is the Full Roster of the Tunisia World Cup 2026 Team?
The final confirmed roster consists of 26 players, with no pending replacement spots remaining. The squad features a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, with key figures to watch including Ellyes Skhiri (the engine of the midfield), Hannibal Mejbri (an energetic creative midfielder), Montassar Talbi (leader of the defense that conceded zero goals in qualifying), Aymen Dahmen (the goalkeeper behind the record-breaking clean-sheet run), and Sebastian Tounekti (an emerging attacking talent).
Goalkeepers
- Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
- Sabri Ben Hassen (Etoile du Sahel)
- Abdelmouhib Chamekh (Club Africain)
Defenders
- Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient)
- Dylan Bronn (Servette FC)
- Yan Valery (Young Boys)
- Omar Rekik (NK Maribor)
- Raed Chkhaoui (US Monastir)
- Ali Abdi (OGC Nice)
- Adam Arous (Kasimpasa)
- Moataz Neffati (IFK Norrkoping)
- Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Esperance de Tunis)
Midfielders
- Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt) – captain
- Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley)
- Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City)
- Rani Khedira (Union Berlin)
- Ismael Gharbi (FC Augsburg)
- Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud (FC Lugano)
- Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa)
Forwards
- Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen)
- Elias Saad (Hannover 96)
- Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic)
- Firas Chaouat (Club Africain)
- Khalil Ayari (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Hazem Mastouri (Dinamo Moscow)
- Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Squad Composition Breakdown
| Categorization | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Confirmed Players | 26 |
| Historic Note | Never advanced past group stage in any World Cup appearance |
| Clubs / Leagues Represented | Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, France, Germany, England, Turkey, Switzerland, Scotland, Denmark, Russia, MLS |
Where Will Tunisia Play Their Group F Matches?
Tunisia is drawn in a highly competitive Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. The group presents a challenging path for the Carthage Eagles, who face the Netherlands — among the tournament favourites — alongside a capable Sweden side and a technically gifted Japan. Tunisia are widely seen as the group’s underdogs, with the Netherlands considered favourites to top the standings.
The tournament opens on June 11, 2026, but Tunisia’s first match — their Group F opener against Sweden — is scheduled for June 14 at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. Under FIFA regulations, sponsor stadium names are replaced for the tournament; therefore, the venue commonly known as Estadio BBVA will be referred to as Estadio Monterrey during the World Cup.
| Date | Match | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 14 June 2026 | Tunisia vs Sweden | Estadio Monterrey (Estadio BBVA), Monterrey, Mexico | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| Sat 20 June 2026 | Tunisia vs Japan | Estadio Monterrey (Estadio BBVA), Monterrey, Mexico | 12:00 a.m. ET (late-night kickoff, in the early hours of Sun 21 June ET) |
| Thu 25 June 2026 | Tunisia vs Netherlands | Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium), Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 7:00 p.m. ET |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Tunisia appeared in the FIFA World Cup?
This is Tunisia’s seventh overall World Cup appearance and their third consecutive tournament, following back-to-back appearances in 2018 and 2022. Despite these numerous qualifications, the team has never advanced past the group stage at any World Cup.
Who was Tunisia’s head coach during World Cup qualifying?
Sami Trabelsi led the team through a flawless CAF Group H campaign, where they won nine matches and drew one without conceding a single goal — a first in World Cup qualifying history. Lamouchi inherited the already qualified squad after parting ways with Trabelsi in early January 2026.
Will Ellyes Skhiri play for Tunisia at their first match against Sweden?
Yes, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri is expected to start as the team captain and midfield anchor. There is no significant injury news reported for any key players in the Tunisian camp leading up to the tournament.
When does Tunisia begin its group stage campaign?
Tunisia begins its World Cup journey on June 14, 2026, against Sweden at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. This is not the tournament opener; the FIFA World Cup officially opens on June 11, 2026, with a match featuring one of the host nations.
