The Tunisian national team carries a quiet confidence into the 2026 World Cup after convincingly qualifying without conceding a single goal.
However, the familiar doubts remain about whether their disciplined style of play is enough to trouble the world's top teams on the big stage.
According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in North Africa, placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden, Tunisia is once again expected to rely on its defensive organization and tactical stability—qualities that have long made them one of the most resilient teams in Africa.
However, recent performances continue to worry fans about a lack of attacking sharpness when facing stronger opponents. Tunisia still relies more on disciplined collective play than on moments of individual brilliance.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi made adjustments by beginning a cautious overhaul of an aging squad ahead of the finals, removing experienced veterans such as midfielder Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah from the roster in order to refresh the team.
Opportunities are being given to new faces and younger players, with the aim of bringing more energy to the team while maintaining the defensive solidity that helped Tunisia successfully qualify.
Among the notable additions is Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira. The 32-year-old is the younger brother of former German international Sami Khedira and moved to Tunisia earlier this year. The French manager also recalled several young players, including Paris Saint-Germain striker Khalil Ayari and Canadian-based striker Rayan Elloumi, suggesting a gradual transition rather than a complete overhaul.
However, the hopes of the "Carthage Eagles" may depend heavily on Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri – one of the few creative players capable of making a difference near the opponent's goal. The 23-year-old is a product of Manchester United's youth academy before moving to Burnley and is expected to shoulder much of Tunisia's attacking responsibility in the tournament.
Tunisia's pragmatic style of play has long made them a formidable opponent in African football tournaments, but their World Cup record remains rather modest. The team has participated in six previous World Cups, but has never advanced beyond the group stage.
Competing in a group that includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden could be the final test to assess whether Coach Lamouchi's gradual rebuilding process has given Tunisia the quality and dynamism to break free from its familiar image as a "tough challenger."
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/world-cup-2026-dai-bang-carthage-cho-ngay-cat-canh-post1114015.vnp
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