Tunisia's players pose ahead of the International friendly football match between Brazil and Tunisia at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Tunisia’s national football team is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with the announcement of their squad for the upcoming Arab Cup 2025. This tournament marks an important step as they prepare for their third consecutive appearance at the World Cup, scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Tunisia’s recent performances have bolstered their confidence. In a notable match during the latest international break, Tunisia held Brazil to a 1-1 draw at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, France. Competing against one of the tournament favorites demonstrated their capability to contend with elite teams. This will be Tunisia’s seventh World Cup appearance overall, and despite not having advanced past the group stage in previous tournaments, they have shown promise, notably defeating France in their last group game in Qatar 2022.
Upcoming Tournaments
December will see Tunisia’s participation in both the Arab Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. These competitions will serve as crucial opportunities for players to showcase their skills and secure their places in the World Cup squad. The fixtures for the Africa Cup of Nations include matches against Nigeria on December 27, Tanzania on December 30, and Uganda on December 23, all taking place in Morocco. The Arab Cup will feature Tunisia facing Qatar on December 7, Palestine on December 4, and Syria on December 1.
The squad for the Arab Cup includes a mixture of established players and emerging talents. Key figures include goalkeeper Noureddine Farhati from Stade Tunisien, captain Ferjani Sassi from Al Gharafa, and forward Youssef Msakni, who is a standout player for the national team.
Managerial Insights
Under the leadership of manager Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia has seen a resurgence in form. This is Trabelsi’s second tenure as head coach, and he has successfully led the team to both the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup. Trabelsi, who made his mark as a player in the 1998 World Cup, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His previous stint with Qatari side Al-Sailiya SC included significant achievements, such as winning two Qatari Stars Cups and a Qatari FA Cup.
Trabelsi’s strategy focuses on blending youth with experience, as he aims to harness the potential of the squad while addressing the challenges of competing on the world stage.
Star Player
One of the key players to watch is Youssef Msakni, who currently plays for Espérance de Tunis. With a notable career in the Middle East, Msakni is the third all-time top scorer for the Tunisian national team and the second most capped player. His experience and skill will be crucial as Tunisia navigates the pressures of the upcoming tournaments.
As Tunisia prepares for the World Cup, the team is looking to build on their previous performances and establish themselves as a competitive force in international football. Fans will be eagerly watching as the squad competes in the Arab Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for their journey in the World Cup 2026.
