Tunisia Secures World Cup Berth with Dramatic Late Victory
Tunisia etched their name into the annals of football history by securing their place in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in North America. Their qualification was sealed with a dramatic 1-0 triumph over Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, a victory orchestrated by a last-gasp goal from midfielder Mohamed Ben Romdhane. The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute, with Ben Romdhane, who plies his trade for Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, clinically finishing a chance crafted by teammate Firas Chaouat. This hard-fought win propelled Tunisia to an unassailable lead in Group H, making them the second African nation, following Morocco, to punch their ticket to the global football extravaganza.
Tunisia’s qualification campaign has been a testament to their consistency and resilience. They amassed an impressive 22 points from eight matches, establishing a commanding 10-point advantage over second-placed Namibia. While Namibia still has a game in hand, they can no longer mathematically catch the Carthage Eagles, effectively ending their World Cup aspirations. The victory in Malabo was a culmination of a well-executed qualifying strategy, showcasing the team’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it mattered most. Their success underlines the growth and development of Tunisian football, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with on the African continent.
The match against Equatorial Guinea was a tense affair, with both teams vying for control of the midfield and creating limited scoring opportunities. Tunisia’s starting lineup reflected their diverse talent pool, featuring players based in nine different countries, showcasing the global reach of Tunisian football. Among them was Hannibal Mejbri, a rising star who plays for Premier League club Burnley, highlighting the blend of experience and youthful exuberance within the squad. The team’s tactical approach, emphasizing a disciplined defensive structure and swift counter-attacks, proved effective in neutralizing Equatorial Guinea’s offensive threats while creating opportunities of their own.
At the helm of Tunisia’s World Cup qualification campaign is Sami Trabelsi, a former defender who captained the national team during their participation in the 1998 World Cup in France. Trabelsi’s leadership and tactical acumen have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering a winning mentality. His understanding of the African football landscape, coupled with his experience on the international stage, has provided invaluable guidance to the players, enabling them to navigate the challenges of the qualifying campaign and emerge victorious.
In other matches across the African continent, Morocco continued their flawless run in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Zambia. Youssef En-Nesyri and Hamza Igamane found the back of the net for the Atlas Lions, further cementing their dominance in the group. Mozambique also registered a 2-0 win against Botswana in Maputo, a result that dashed Algeria’s hopes of securing qualification from Group G, even with a potential victory against Guinea. These results underscore the competitive nature of the African qualifiers, where every match holds significant weight and can dramatically alter the fortunes of participating nations.
Tunisia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a moment of national pride and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaching staff, and the entire Tunisian football federation. Their journey to the world’s biggest stage will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Tunisian footballers and further elevate the profile of the sport in the country. As they prepare to compete against the best teams in the world, the Carthage Eagles will carry the hopes and dreams of a nation, eager to make their mark on the global stage and showcase the vibrant and passionate spirit of Tunisian football.
