FIFA World Cup 2022: 10 surprising teams to watch out for
FootballTunisia World Cup squad: Which players will be booting up for the Carthage Eagles in Qatar?
Football is one of the most played sports in Tunisia. Furthermore, compared to other African countries, the Carthaginian Eagles have played the second most World Cup tournaments after Cameroon. Read on to discover more about Tunisia's World Cup squad.
Although the Eagles of Carthage are the second African team that has qualified for most World Cups, they earlier risked a FIFA ban that threatened their 2022 appearance. This article covers the players, history, and achievements of the successful squad whose ticket to Qatar was almost lost with the near dissolution of the Tunisian football federation.
How many times has Tunisia been to the World Cup?
The Eagles of Carthage qualified for the biggest competition in soccer in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. In the five tournaments, Tunisia has only won two of the 15 matches, one in 1978 and the second in 2018. Although the team has never gotten to the knockout stage, Qatar 2022 offers a fresh opportunity for the team to succeed.
In an interview with FIFA+, Ettifaq FC's midfielder, Naïm Sliti, was asked about Tunisia's historical failure to reach the second stage. He said,
It is something we are aware of. It would be a dream for us, and we could make a mark, so why not? We have to go out and do it. It will not be easy, but we know we have the potential, and the team is ready, God willing.
Tunisia's 2022 World Cup campaign
How did Tunisia qualify for World Cup? Out of 54 African nations, only five countries, including Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia, qualified for World Cup 2022.
In the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, Tunisia won over Zambia (0-2), Mauritania (0-3), and Zambia (1-3). Tunisia's qualification came following a 1-0 win against Mali's Les Aigles in the second leg of the third-round qualifying match in Bamako.
Best American Football team: Which is the best American Squad for the upcoming World Cup
FootballTunisia World Cup squad for 2022
Except for Eddine Saif's absence, the Tunisian squad remains unchanged. About 10 of the players appeared in the 2018 Russian tournament.
Who is on the Tunisian team? Here is a detailed summary of Tunisia's World Cup team players with their positions and teams.
Player | Position | Team |
Aymen Dahmen | Goalkeeper | Club Sportif Sfaxien |
Bechir Ben Said | Goalkeeper | US Monastir |
Mouez Hassen | Goalkeeper | Club Africain Tunis |
Aymen Balbouli | Goalkeeper | Etoile Sportive du Sahel |
Montassar Talbi | Centre-back | FC Lorient |
Dylan Bronn | Centre-back | US Salernitana 1919 |
Yassine Meriah | Centre-back | Esperance Tunis |
Nader Ghandri | Centre-back | Club Africain Tunis |
Bilel Ifa | Centre-back | Kuwait SC |
Ali Abdi | Left-back | SM Caen |
Ali Maâloul | Left-back | El Ahly Cairo |
Wajdi Kechrida | Left-back | Atromitos Athen |
Mohamed Dräger | Right-back | FC Luzern |
Ellyes Skhiri | Right-back | FC Köln |
Anis Slimane | Central midfield | Bröndby IF |
Aïssa Laïdouni | Central midfield | Ferencvárosi TC |
Ferjani Sassi | Central midfield | Al-Duhail SC |
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane | Central midfield | Esperance Tunis |
Ghaylen Chaaleli | Central midfield | Esperance Tunis |
Hannibal Mejbri | Attacking midfield | Birmingham City |
Naïm Sliti | Winger | Ettifaq FC |
Youssef Msakni | Winger | Al-Arabi SC |
Wahbi Khazri | Centre-forward | Montpellier HSC |
Taha Yassine Khenissi | Centre-forward | Kuwait SC |
Seifeddine Jaziri | Centre-forward | Zamalek SC |
Issam Jebali | Striker | Odense Boldklub |
Best Asian Football team: Which is the best Asian squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?
FootballTunisia's starting XI line-up
Which Tunisian players faced Denmark's World Cup team? All star players appeared during the game which ended in a deadlock of 0-0.
Number | Player | Position |
16 | Aymen Dahmen | Goalkeeper |
20 | Mohamed Dräger | Right-back |
6 | Dylan Bronn | Centre-back |
3 | Montassar Talbi | Centre-back |
12 | Mortadha Ben Ouanes | Left-back |
18 | Ghaylen Chaaleli | Central midfield |
14 | Aïssa Laïdouni | Central midfield |
17 | Ellyes Skhiri | Right-back |
7 | Youssef Msakni | Left winger |
19 | Seifeddine Jaziri | Centre-forward |
10 | Wahbi Khazri | Centre-forward |
Who is the captain of the Tunisian national football team?
The Tunisia national football team is led by Youssef Msakni. The winger is known for his long-range strikes and has won over 80 caps. Click on the link above to learn more about the great Carthaginian Eagles' history, management, squad, stadium, and achievements.
At the start of the team's Qatar journey, Msakni spoke to FIFA in an exclusive interview. He said,
Portugal World Cup Squad 2022: Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing this World Cup?
Football"When we started playing on pitches that will host World Cup games, I became even more motivated to lead my national team to qualify and compete here. It's really exciting to experience playing on these pitches, which are luxurious and on par with the world's best arenas. I'll convey these feelings to my team-mates to motivate them to battle fiercely in the African qualifiers and reach Qatar 2022."
When asked about the team's loss to Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON tournaments, he added,
"The lesson here is there will be some periods in these tournaments that require patience and good preparation to be able to win. We have a chance to enhance our displays and perform strongly to reach the final round of the qualifiers and secure our ticket to Qatar."
Who is Tunisia's manager?
Jadel Kadri was appointed on the 30th of January 2022 following Mondeher Kebaier's forced exit from the team after their 2022 AFCON elimination. The manager, who favours the 4-3-3 attacking formation, previously coached Al-Ahly Tripoli, Stade Tunisien, Emirates Club, Club Athlétique Bizertin, JS Kairouanaise, Al-Khaleej, and the Tunisian national Olympic football team.
2022 World Cup: Group F Predictions and players to watch from each team
FootballWho are the best Tunisian football players?
The Eagles of Carthage are determined to earn the most coveted trophy. Here is a list of five players to look out for in the team's line-up, according to an analysis by FIFA.
Player | Position |
Ellyes Skhiri | Midfielder |
Dylan Bronn | Defender |
Aïssa Laïdouni | Midfielder |
Youssef Msakni | Forward |
Wahbi Khazri | Forward |
Tunisia's World Cup 2022 jersey
Kappa recently released Tunisia’s red World Cup jersey featuring subtle graphics of the Armor of Hannibal. The complete home kit also features red shorts and socks, while the away kit is predominantly white.
Like every other team in Qatar, the spirits of Tunisia's World Cup squad are high. Furthermore, thousands of fans have arrived in the country to cheer the Carthaginian Eagles.
READ ALSO: Senegal's World Cup squad 2022: Is Sadio Mane playing in this World Cup?
Sportsbrief.com published an article detailing Senegal's World Cup squad. Senegal is undoubtedly one of the African countries with the most success in football. The article covers Senegal's World Cup history, achievements, the complete squad, their positions, and teams.
Canada's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Canada in Qatar
FootballClick on the link above to discover more about the Lions of Teranga and their 26-man strong squad ready for World Cup domination.