World Cup 2026: Tunisia defender Ali Abdi banks unbeaten record ahead of Sweden opener

Tunisia international Ali Abdi has underlined his confidence in his outfit ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Sweden, pointing to their unbeaten qualification campaign as evidence of their strength and consistency.

The 32-year-old defender, who plies his trade for French outfit Nice stressed that the North African side arrives at the tournament with belief and momentum, insisting that their defensive record during qualifying should be the benchmark for expectations rather than isolated setbacks.

“We qualified for the World Cup unbeaten. In shaa Allah, it will be a great match for us,” Abdi said.

Tunisia earned their place at the global showpiece through a disciplined and structured campaign, with their defensive solidity proving to be one of their strongest assets throughout qualification. Abdi believes that identity will be crucial once again as they prepare to face Sweden in a demanding Group F encounter.

“We are here as the BEST defense in Africa during the qualifiers,” he added. “Tunisians must focus on that type of performance, not on the moments when we weren’t at our best.”

His comments reflect a clear message from within the camp: Tunisia intend to lean on their organisation, structure, and collective discipline as they attempt to make an impact on the world stage.

The North African side head into the tournament as underdogs in a competitive group, but Abdi’s remarks highlight a confident and united dressing room that believes it can compete with more established European opposition.

Coach Sabri Lamouchi will be hoping that defensive consistency remains the foundation of Tunisia’s approach as they aim to navigate a challenging group stage and push for qualification to the knockout rounds.

With the opener against Sweden fast approaching, Tunisia’s message is clear: they are not in the tournament to make up the numbers, but to build on an unbeaten qualifying run and prove their defensive credentials once again on football’s biggest stage.