FIFA Rank #30 · CAF
The Carthage Eagles at the 2026 World Cup: Group F exit continues Africa's longest knockout-round drought — but Khazri and Mejbri show the talent base is there.
Tunisia holds the unenviable record of being Africa's most consistent World Cup qualifier — and the nation that has never once reached the knockout stage. Nine appearances, nine group stage exits. It is a record that defines this programme, and one they have been unable to break in 2026.
The 1978 tournament in Argentina was Tunisia's debut, and it remains their most competitive: a victory over Mexico and draws with Poland and West Germany saw them finish second in their group on points — not enough to advance under the era's rules. The 2006 Germany tournament produced another 1-1 draw with Spain, and there were competitive showings against Portugal in 2018 and Australia in 2022.
The 2022 Qatar World Cup saw Tunisia competitive but ultimately short — beating Australia but losing to Denmark and France. It was a familiar story for the Carthage Eagles. The 2026 edition extended that pattern, with a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden and a 0-4 defeat to Japan confirming an early exit.
Tunisia qualified via the CAF pathway for the 2026 World Cup. The CAF allocation was expanded to 9 spots for the 48-team tournament (up from 5). Tunisia secured their place in the final draw held on 5 December 2025 in Washington, D.C., and were drawn into Group F alongside Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Group F was one of the most demanding groups of the 2026 draw.
Pre-tournament preparation included a 5-0 friendly loss to Belgium in Brussels on June 6, 2026, with Ismael Gharbi sent off at 62'. The result highlighted the gap between European elite opposition and a Tunisian side that has lost Msakni to retirement since 2022.
Tunisia were eliminated in the group stage with two losses. Both matches were played at Mexican venues — Monterrey and Guadalupe — and the campaign ended with the same group-stage exit that has defined Tunisia's World Cup history.
See the full 2026 World Cup fixture list and the complete standings across all 12 groups.
Tunisia were drawn in Group F at the 2026 World Cup alongside Netherlands (UEFA, Koeman), Japan (AFC, Moriyasu), and Sweden (UEFA, Tomasson). For full standings, advance percentages, and the Group F tactical breakdown, see the Group F preview.
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered in Tunisia as another group-stage exit, but the gap between Tunisia and the group's two best teams — Netherlands and Japan — is the same gap that has kept the Carthage Eagles out of the knockout rounds for nine tournaments in a row. Talbi's consolation goal against Sweden was a moment of pride, and Mejbri's industry in midfield was a positive for the future. For Tunisia to break their knockout-round hoodoo, the next cycle requires more European-based regulars and a kinder draw. The 2030 World Cup is the next chance.
Want to track their path? View fixtures, follow standings, or see the full Group F bracket.
Belgium 5-0 Tunisia (Friendly): Tunisia suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Belgium in Brussels. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring at 28', and Ismael Gharbi was sent off at 62'. A difficult warm-up result for the Eagles of Carthage ahead of their World Cup campaign.
World Cup 2026 · Group F · Match schedule TBD — opponents confirmed
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