2026 World Cup qualifiers: Tunisia dealt blow as Ali Abdi misses Equatorial Guinea clash

Tunisia will be without defender Ali Abdi for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Equatorial Guinea after the OGC Nice player was ruled out through injury.

The national team’s technical staff confirmed that Abdi, who had been hoping to recover in time for Monday’s fixture in Malabo, will not travel with the squad.

Instead, he has been permitted to return to his club to continue his rehabilitation.

Abdi had joined up with the Carthage Eagles earlier in the international break with the intention of contributing to the campaign, but ongoing fitness concerns left him unable to take part.

Medical evaluations carried out by the Tunisian staff concluded that the left-back would not be fit enough to compete at the level required for such an important qualifier.

The absence is a setback for coach Jalel Kadri, who values Abdi’s defensive stability and experience in high-stakes matches.

Tunisia are preparing for a difficult test away to Equatorial Guinea, a side that has often proved formidable at home.

The match is scheduled for Monday, 8 September, as part of the eighth round of Group H fixtures.

The Tunisian delegation will depart for Malabo on Sunday aboard a special charter flight.

Without Abdi, the coaching staff will need to reshuffle their defensive options, with alternative players expected to step in and shoulder greater responsibility.

Abdi’s enforced absence also highlights the fine balance national teams must strike between relying on key figures and managing the risk of aggravating injuries.

For OGC Nice, the decision to send him back is welcome, allowing the player to focus on his recovery and return to club action as quickly as possible.

Despite the setback, Tunisia remain focused on their objective of securing qualification.

They are well-placed in the group but face strong competition, and every point matters in the race to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

The upcoming fixture in Malabo is seen as pivotal, not only for the standings but also for building momentum heading into the final stretch of the qualifiers.

The loss of Abdi is significant, but the Carthage Eagles will be determined to show resilience in his absence as they continue their push for a place on football’s biggest stage.