Tunisia have named their World Cup 2026 squad — and it carries one of the tournament's best midfield stories. Captain Ellyes Skhiri leads from Eintracht Frankfurt. Hannibal Mejbri, who chose Tunisia over France, brings Burnley quality and elite pressing. Rani Khedira — brother of Sami, Germany's World Cup winner from 2014 — has chosen the Tunisian flag. And 19-year-old Khalil Ayari arrives from PSG's academy on the back of what may be the most talked-about call-up in the squad. Tunisia qualified with 28 points from 30 in CAF and did not concede a single goal. They come to this World Cup not as passengers.
The Perfect Qualification — Tunisia's Platform
Tunisia's CAF qualifying campaign was statistically one of the greatest in African football history. They won 28 points from a possible 30, did not concede a single goal across the entire campaign, and scored consistently without relying on any single player for goals. It was a team performance in the truest sense.
Rani Khedira's story is the squad's most compelling narrative thread. His brother Sami won the World Cup with Germany in 2014. Rani, born and raised in Germany, chose Tunisia. His Union Berlin performances — consistent, disciplined, Bundesliga-level — justified every call-up, and his World Cup debut will be watched closely by both nations.
Hannibal Mejbri's Tunisia commitment has been one of the most discussed dual-national decisions in North African football. Born in France, linked to the French federation's radar, he chose Tunisia and has become one of their most important players. That decision looks vindicated here.
The Ayari selection is the one that will dominate pre-tournament discussions. Khalil Ayari, a teenager from PSG's academy, has not played regular senior football yet — but the coaching staff have seen enough in training and youth football to believe he can contribute. At 19, it is a considerable leap of faith.
Key Players to Watch
Squad Analysis — Midfield Depth, Young Attack
Tunisia's greatest strength is midfield depth. Skhiri, Mejbri, Khedira, Ben Slimane (Norwich) and Ben Ouanes (Kasımpaşa) give them five genuinely credible options for two or three starting positions. The ability to change the midfield's profile during a match — pressing intensity, physicality, passing range — gives the manager real flexibility.
The attack is less settled. Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic) and Ismaël Gharbi (Augsburg) are the most likely starters. Ayari and Achouri (Copenhagen) offer alternatives. The concern is that no one in this attack has yet proved themselves as a reliable goal scorer at European top-flight level.
Dylan Bronn at Servette adds versatility to the defence — he can play centre-back or right-back. Montassar Talbi's experience and Ali Abdi's energy from the left side complete a back line that can be difficult to break down when organised.
Group F — Germany, Japan and Tunisia
Tunisia are in Group F alongside Germany and Japan. On paper they are third favourites in a three-team group — but they are also the team that scored most goals per game in CAF qualifying and conceded none. They will not be passive.
Japan is the match Tunisia will target. Both teams know that a win in the Japan fixture — regardless of what Germany do — could open a path to the Round of 32. The tactical battle between Skhiri and Endo in midfield will likely determine which team advances.
World Cup History
One to Watch — Ellyes Skhiri
Prediction
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