Esperance Sportive de Tunis will depart for the United States tomorrow as preparations conclude for their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Drawn into a highly competitive Group D, the Tunisian giants are set to face Flamengo, Los Angeles FC, and Chelsea in the opening round of the global tournament.
The club’s management has opted to stick with their current roster, choosing continuity over last-minute reinforcements.
Head coach Maher Kanzari will rely on a 23-man squad featuring a mix of experience and youth, including key names such as Youcef Belaili, Mohamed Amine Tougai, and Brazilian forward Silva Rodrigo.
“We’re going into this tournament with the belief in our current group,” said a club spokesperson. “We know the level of the competition, but we’re prepared to give our best.”
Esperance’s campaign will kick off against Brazilian giants Flamengo in the early hours of Tuesday, June 17, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The fixture promises to be an immediate test of the team’s resilience and tactical discipline against one of South America’s top clubs.
Their second match will come on Friday, June 20, against MLS outfit Los Angeles FC.
Set to be played at GEODIS Park in Nashville, the clash will pit Esperance against a dynamic side known for its attacking flair and home support.
The final group-stage fixture will see Esperance return to Philadelphia for a high-profile showdown with English Premier League side Chelsea in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25.
The European powerhouse will be one of the favourites in the tournament, and the match is expected to draw significant attention.
Kanzari’s squad features a balanced selection, including goalkeepers Bechir Ben Said, Amanallah Memmiche, and Sadki Debchi.
Defenders Yassine Meriah, Mohamed Amine Tougai, and Hamza Jelassi offer solidity at the back, while midfielders like Houssem Tka and Onuche Ogbelu are expected to play key roles in linking play.
Up front, Belaili and Mokwana provide attacking threats.
With the team now finalising preparations, focus shifts to their journey to the United States and their first clash with Flamengo.
While Esperance are aware of the uphill task in Group D, confidence remains high that they can make their mark on the world stage.
