Rani Khedira reportedly asks Tunisia not to select him again after six caps

Rani Khedira has reportedly asked not to be called up by Tunisia again, just three months after making his international debut for the North African side.

The 32-year-old Union Berlin midfielder, who previously represented Germany at youth level, switched his sporting nationality before joining Tunisia at the end of March. He has since won six caps across three international gatherings.

According to Radio Mosaique, Khedira’s agent has contacted the Tunisian authorities to request that the player no longer be included in the national squad. If the report is confirmed, Khedira is unlikely to feature in Tunisia’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Uganda on 24 September and Botswana on 28 September.

The midfielder’s decision is thought to have been influenced by his difficult experience with the Carthage Eagles, which culminated in Tunisia’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

Tunisia were eliminated in the group stage after losing all three matches. They conceded 12 goals and scored only two, while the tournament was also overshadowed by uncertainty within the team and a change of manager during the competition.

The side began with a 5-1 defeat by Sweden. Sabri Lamouchi was then dismissed and replaced by Herve Renard, who was brought in for what was described as an emergency mission. Tunisia subsequently suffered a 0-4 loss to Japan before ending their campaign with a 1-3 defeat by the Netherlands.

There was also instability around Khedira’s own place in the team. Lamouchi selected him in the starting line-up for Tunisia’s opening match, but Renard left him on the bench for his first game in charge. Khedira returned to the starting XI for the following fixture.

The reported request has also revived criticism from those who believe Khedira chose Tunisia primarily to take part in the 2026 World Cup. His move to the national team had already attracted scrutiny because of his previous involvement with Germany’s youth sides.

Khedira is the younger brother of Sami Khedira, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014. Rani made his senior international debut for Tunisia after changing his eligibility, but his spell with the national team may now be coming to an early end.

Tunisia are due to continue their qualifying campaign against Uganda on 24 September, followed by the meeting with Botswana four days later. Mouine Chaabani will decide whether Khedira is included in the squad if the midfielder’s reported request is not withdrawn.