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Group F Fixtures

Tunisia face Netherlands, Japan and Sweden in Group F — a tough but navigable group for a side that conceded zero goals in World Cup qualifying. The opener against Sweden on 14 June is crucial: a win or draw there sets Tunisia up for a genuine push at qualification, with Japan potentially offering a second chance before the Netherlands finale.

All times local. Under the 48-team format, the top two qualify directly; the best eight third-placed teams also advance to the Round of 32.

Manager: Sabri Lamouchi

Sabri Lamouchi took charge ahead of the tournament and oversaw one of the most impressive qualifying campaigns in African history: nine wins, one draw, 22 goals scored and — remarkably — zero goals conceded. Tunisia became the first team ever to reach a World Cup having not conceded a single goal in qualifying. That defensive record defines Lamouchi’s approach.

The system is built around a compact, defence-first mid/low block with Skhiri screening from deep, centre-back Talbi organising the back line and full-back Ali Abdi providing width. In attack, the plan is quick counters and wing play — using Achouri, Mastouri and Tounekti to run channels and attack space rather than dominate possession against stronger sides. The result is a side that frustrates favourites and stays alive in games long enough to punish mistakes.

Key Players to Watch

Ellyes Skhiri (DM, Eintracht Frankfurt) — The captain and the team’s tactical brain. Skhiri’s work-rate, reading of the game and defensive discipline underpin the entire Tunisian structure. He shields the back four and sets the tempo for transitions. Everything flows through him.

Montassar Talbi (CB, Lorient) — The leader of Tunisia’s historic clean-sheet qualifying defence. Strong in aerial duels and composed in one-on-one situations, Talbi is central to the “zero conceded” narrative and will be tested hard by the Dutch and Japanese attacks.

Hannibal Mejbri (CM, Burnley) — The high-energy ball-carrier and presser who gives Tunisia a different dimension between the lines. Mejbri is capable of breaking opposition lines, adding chaos and shooting from distance — a dangerous wild card in the squad.

Hazem Mastouri (ST) — The main goal threat in qualifying, with multiple goals in the campaign. Mastouri brings pace and a direct attacking threat that suits Tunisia’s counter-attacking identity.

Ali Abdi (LB, Nice) — Provides width, overlap runs and set-piece delivery from left-back while remaining disciplined defensively. Abdi is the key outlet for Tunisia in the attacking phase.

Full 26-Man Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

World Cup History

The 2026 tournament is Tunisia’s seventh World Cup, following appearances in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022. They have never progressed beyond the group stage — making any advancement to the Round of 32 a historic achievement for Tunisian football.

Their World Cup story contains some brilliant moments. In 1978, they became the first African and Arab nation ever to win a World Cup match, beating Mexico 3-1 and holding reigning champions West Germany to a 0-0 draw. Most recently in 2022, they produced one of Qatar’s biggest shocks — a 1-0 win over France thanks to Wahbi Khazri’s goal — but were eliminated on tiebreakers despite not losing a match. The 2026 group is a chance to finally convert those moments into a genuine knockout run.

Form and Betting Odds

Tunisia’s qualifying record was extraordinary: nine wins, one draw, 22 scored and zero conceded in CAF Group H. Notable scorelines include a 6-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe and three clean-sheet wins away from home. That defensive dominance continued into friendlies — including a 1-1 draw away to Brazil in Lille in December 2025 and a 0-0 draw away to Canada in March 2026, both demonstrating their ability to frustrate top opposition.

Betting markets reflect their underdog status in Group F. Netherlands are clear favourites to top the group, with Japan and Sweden priced ahead of Tunisia for second. Markets offer Tunisia at around 21/10 to qualify from the group (any position), with 4/6 that they go out at the group stage. However, their elite defensive numbers and disruptive tournament style make them a compelling value play — especially at odds that don’t fully reflect a side that conceded nothing in qualifying.

For Tunisia betting tips and group F odds, visit our World Cup 2026 Betting Tips page and check Nigeria’s best betting sites for the latest prices.