Tunisia manager Sabri Lamouchi has unveiled a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that signals a bold new direction, headlined by the omission of two of the nation's most capped players. Midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who has earned 101 international appearances, and defender Yassine Meriah, with 95 caps, have both been left out as Lamouchi prioritizes a blend of emerging talents and recently committed dual-nationality footballers for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The decision to exclude Sassi and Meriah represents a significant break from the experienced core that has anchored the Carthage Eagles in recent years. Sassi, 34, has been a midfield mainstay known for his composure and passing range, while Meriah, a central defensive pillar, had been a near-automatic selection for previous coaches. Their absence had been foreshadowed during Lamouchi's first fixtures in charge in March, when neither featured in friendlies against Haiti and Canada, suggesting the 53-year-old French-Tunisian tactician was already sketching plans without them.
Lamouchi, who previously managed clubs including Cardiff City and Nottingham Forest, assumed the Tunisia role in January with a mandate to refresh a squad that has showed signs of stagnation. By omitting Sassi and Meriah, he is not merely altering personnel but also signaling a shift toward athleticism, adaptability, and perhaps a faster transition style. The move carries risk given the pair's vast experience, yet it aligns with a broader trend in international football of phasing out veterans ahead of major tournaments to inject energy and competition for places.
One of the most intriguing inclusions is midfielder Rani Khedira, who completed a nationality switch to represent Tunisia in March. The sibling of 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira, Rani brings the pedigree and steel of a player plying his trade with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. His addition adds depth to a midfield engine room that now blends overseas grit with technical flair, and his experience in high-intensity European competition could prove invaluable in a group containing the Netherlands and Japan.
Among the domestic-based and foreign-based call-ups, several familiar names offer continuity and promise. Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, keeps his place after showcasing his talents in the Championship. Alongside him, Norwich City's Anis Ben Slimane provides creativity and a goal threat from midfield—attributes that could unlock defenses in tight group-stage encounters. Both players represent the generation Lamouchi appears eager to build around, having already tasted senior football in England's competitive tiers.
A major subplot is the inclusion of 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Khalil Ayari, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for the French giants. Ayari's call-up is a testament to his potential and the dearth of established striking options within the Tunisian setup. However, it also underscores the gamble Lamouchi is taking: thrusting an unproven talent onto the sport's biggest stage. If Ayari can replicate the rapid development of other precocious youngsters, he might provide a surprise element in attack.
The full squad features a mix of talent from leagues across Europe and Tunisia's domestic competition. Goalkeepers like Aymen Dahman and Sabri Ben Hessen will vie for the starting spot, while defenders Ali Abdi (Nice) and Montassar Talbi (Lorient) bring Ligue 1 experience. Midfield lynchpin Ellyes Skhiri of Eintracht Frankfurt is expected to anchor the center, and forwards Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen) and Elias Saad (Hannover 96) offer pace and trickery on the flanks. The selection reflects a coach who values versatility across multiple positions.
Tunisia's World Cup campaign opens on 15 June against Sweden in what is likely to be a physically demanding fixture, given the Swedish side's typically robust style. They then face Japan, a technically proficient and well-organized team, before a marquee clash with the Netherlands. The Group F path is challenging: the Dutch are traditional heavyweights, Sweden is a perennial knockout-round contender, and Japan has consistently progressed from the group stage in recent editions. Points will be hard-earned for the Eagles.
From a tactical standpoint, Lamouchi's squad construction suggests a pivot towards a more proactive system, perhaps based on high pressing and quick vertical transitions. Without Sassi's methodical distribution, Tunisia may rely more on direct play through Skhiri and the energy of Khedira and Mejbri to bypass opponent midfields. Defensively, the absence of Meriah raises questions about leadership at the back, with Talbi likely assuming the role of defensive organizer in a younger backline.
The gamble on untested players like Ayari and the reliance on newly committed Khedira could backfire if the squad lacks cohesion in high-stakes moments. Historically, successful African teams at World Cups have often combined youthful exuberance with a handful of experienced heads. Lamouchi appears to have calculated that the fresh legs and hunger of his selections outweigh the composure that Sassi and Meriah would provide. The upcoming friendlies and preparatory camps will be critical to forging the necessary understanding.
In broader context, the 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams and the hosting across three nations presents unique opportunities for sides like Tunisia to secure a first-ever knockout-stage appearance. A meticulous approach to squad selection is pivotal. Lamouchi has chosen to bet on the future rather than the past, a decision that will be scrutinized intensely once the tournament kicks off. For now, it injects a dose of unpredictability into a team that has often been known for its defensive solidity.
Ultimately, Tunisia's 2026 aspirations hinge on whether Lamouchi's bold moves translate into on-pitch chemistry and results. The omission of more than 190 combined caps in Sassi and Meriah is head-turning, but if the new-look squad can surpass previous World Cup performances, it will be seen as a masterstroke. As the Carthage Eagles prepare to soar into what promises to be a fascinating tournament, all eyes will be on the new faces and the coach who dared to reshape a national institution.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
