Tunisia
FIFA World Cup 2026 · Group E · vs Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B
FIFA Rank
#42
WC Titles
—
WC Apps
6
Best Result
Group stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
Star Player
Aïssa Laïdouni
About Tunisia
Tunisia, with its capital in Tunis and a population of 12 million, is known for ancient Carthage ruins, Saharan landscapes, and Mediterranean cuisine. The Star Wars planet Tatooine was named after the real Tunisian town of Tataouine, where many of the original film's desert scenes were shot.
In football, the Eagles of Carthage are a 6-time World Cup participant with their best result being Group stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022). Their World Cup journey began in 1978, and they enter the 2026 tournament with Aïssa Laïdouni as their talisman under head coach Faouzi Benzarti. Tunisia were the first African nation to win a World Cup match, beating Mexico 3-1 in 1978 in Argentina.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Tunisia at 5 out of 10, ranking them #23 overall and classifying them as an exciting dark horse. In Group E, they face Netherlands, Japan in what has been categorized as a highly competitive group (difficulty 9/10).
The current Eagles of Carthage squad features 30 players, with the final 26-man World Cup roster to be announced in May 2026. Tunisia have 3 confirmed group stage matches scheduled across the tournament.
Tunisia supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup can look forward to matches across multiple host cities in the United States. Follow SeatNav for ticket availability, venue guides, and match day information as the tournament approaches.
Key Player
Aïssa Laïdouni
Eagles of Carthage · FIFA #42
Head Coach
Faouzi Benzarti
Home: Stade Olympique de Radès
Group E Battle Preview
Head-to-head records against each group opponent
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Netherlands and Tunisia have never met at a World Cup despite Tunisia's 6 appearances. Their 2023 friendly in Tunis ended 1-1, suggesting Tunisia can compete with European heavyweights. The Oranje are expected to top the group, but Tunisia's defensive discipline has frustrated better teams before.
View match preview →
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Japan beat Tunisia 2-0 as hosts at the 2002 World Cup, but Tunisia gained revenge with a stunning 3-0 friendly win in Osaka in 2022, just days before both teams headed to Qatar. The series is tightly contested. Tunisia, the first African nation to win a World Cup match (1978), bring experience and defensive organization.
View match preview →How Tunisia Qualified
Tunisia qualified through CAF African qualification, making their sixth World Cup appearance and maintaining their status as North Africa's consistent qualifier.
Tunisia Tactical Identity
Under Faouzi Benzarti, Tunisia bring a distinctive tactical approach to the 2026 World Cup. Eagles of Carthage will look to impose their style on group-stage opponents while managing the physical demands of the expanded tournament format.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Tunisia at 5.0/10 (ranked #23 overall), classifying them as an outside contender in the Dark Horse tier. Their strongest factor is group-stage preparation while limited World Cup pedigree represents their biggest challenge.
2026 Tournament Outlook
Tunisia face a extremely challenging Group E draw against Netherlands, Japan. With the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each group plus the best third-placed teams through to the Round of 32, Eagles of Carthage will be targeting a minimum of two victories to secure safe passage.
Match Schedule
3 confirmed matches
Tunisia
Tunisia
Group E
Top 2 advance. Best 3rd-place teams qualify for Round of 32.
Squad (30)
Current national team squad. Final World Cup roster announced May 2026.
Goalkeepers(4)
Defenders(9)
Midfielders(8)
Forwards(9)
Away Kit Preview
Group Stage Opponents
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Tunisia
Squad data via API-Football. Team colors are approximate. Final World Cup rosters announced May 2026. SeatNav is not affiliated with FIFA. Profile: 371 words.