Sabri Lamouchi did not hide his frustration. The Tunisia coach publicly denounced a "lack of respect" from Louey Ben Farhat, the 19-year-old attacker who turned down a place in the Carthage Eagles' 2026 World Cup squad. "I received a call from Louey Ben Farhat's father this morning. He told me it was too early for the player and he refused. I was shocked. I called Louey, he didn't answer. I called his father back, he didn't answer either. It's a lack of respect! This matter is closed," Lamouchi told L'Equipe. The blunt words set the tone for a controversy that has left Tunisia scrambling just weeks before the tournament kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ben Farhat, a Germany-born forward who came through the academy at Karlsruher SC, had only recently committed his international future to Tunisia. In late March, he earned his first two caps in friendly matches, playing a total of 63 minutes against Haiti (a 1-0 win) and Canada (a 0-0 draw). The appearances were seen as a sign that the dual-national had chosen the North African side over the country of his birth. His club form in the 2. Bundesliga — six goals in 19 appearances this season — had already marked him as a rising star with the physical tools to trouble defenders.
For Lamouchi, a Frenchman who took the Tunisia job with a mandate to build on the team's encouraging 2022 World Cup performance, the inclusion of Ben Farhat was part of a broader strategy to infuse youth into an experienced squad. Tunisia's Group F opponents — Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands — are all ranked inside FIFA's top 30, and every edge counts. Ben Farhat's pace and directness offered a different dimension off the bench. That the player and his camp pulled out at the eleventh hour has left a bitter taste.
The timeline of events adds to the sense of betrayal. Lamouchi had already named his 26-man roster, and Ben Farhat's name was on it. The coach learned of the player's change of heart only through a phone call from the father on Friday morning. When Lamouchi tried to reach the player directly, his calls went unanswered. The subsequent silence from both father and son amplified the perceived disrespect. In international football, such last-minute rejections are rare, especially after a player has already been capped.
"This affair is closed," Lamouchi stated, but the fallout will linger. Tunisia must now adjust its plans without a player who had been expected to provide depth in attack. The timing could not be worse: with the World Cup just over two months away, the team's final preparations are already underway. Replacing a squad member at this stage can disrupt tactical cohesion and team morale. Lamouchi will likely promote an alternate, but the distraction is unwelcome.
For Ben Farhat, the decision appears to be a calculated bet on a future with the German national team. Born in Waiblingen and developed entirely in the German system, he is still eligible to represent the country of his birth internationally. His refusal to commit to Tunisia now likely signals a belief that he can break into Julian Nagelsmann's squad down the line. The path is far from guaranteed, though; Germany boasts a deep pool of young attacking talent, and Ben Farhat’s 2. Bundesliga credentials may not yet warrant senior recognition.
The incident also highlights the increasingly common tug-of-war over dual-national players. Tunisia has historically benefited from the diaspora, recruiting talents like Hannibal Mejbri and Ellyes Skhiri, who were born and raised in Europe. However, the Ben Farhat case shows the risks when a player uses a smaller federation as a stepping stone. For Lamouchi, the lack of communication is what stings most. The player and his father effectively ghosted a coach who had shown faith by fast-tracking the teenager into a World Cup squad.
The move could also have repercussions at club level. Karlsruhe, currently midtable in Germany's second tier, will see their young forward come under increased scrutiny. While clubs rarely intervene in international allegiance, the saga may affect Ben Farhat’s relationship with teammates and fans, especially those with ties to Arab nations. The player will need to deliver on the pitch to justify the noise.
Looking ahead, Lamouchi must now rally his troops and focus on the monumental task in Group F. The Netherlands, with their world-class defense, Sweden with their physicality, and Japan with their technical precision, pose three distinct threats. Without Ben Farhat’s potential X-factor, Tunisia’s attacking options may look thinner. The coach will lean on stalwarts like Wahbi Khazri and younger players such as Anis Ben Slimane to carry the creative burden.
The controversy also raises questions about the role of player entourages in international decisions. Ben Farhat’s father reportedly told Lamouchi it was "too early" for his son to commit to Tunisia, suggesting a desire to keep options open for a potential German call-up. Whether the player can force his way into the Nationalmannschaft remains to be seen, but for now, the door to Tunisia is firmly shut.
With the World Cup fast approaching, stories like these are a reminder of the human dynamics behind squad selections. Trust, communication, and commitment are as vital as talent. Lamouchi’s open frustration serves as a warning to any player who might treat a national team call-up lightly. For a coach fighting to instill a winning mentality, the Ben Farhat snub could become a rallying cry or a lingering distraction.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.