Tunisia launch rebuild after World Cup heartbreak with Chaabani’s first squad

Tunisia have begun rebuilding after a disastrous 2026 World Cup campaign, with new head coach Mouine Chaabani naming a squad that combines returning experienced players, fresh faces and several notable omissions.

The Eagles of Carthage suffered three defeats in North America, conceding 12 goals, and left the tournament after a damaging campaign. Their record included heavy losses to Sweden, 5-1, and Japan, 4-0, while they scored just two goals in total. Brazilian outlet Trivela subsequently rated Tunisia as the worst team among those eliminated in the first round.

Chaabani’s first squad, announced for Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Uganda on 24 September and Botswana on 28 September, keeps only 14 of the players involved at the World Cup.

Ferjani Sassi returns after gradually losing his place in the build-up to the tournament. Veteran Ali Maaloul has also been recalled, along with Aissa Laidouni, whose omission from the World Cup squad had caused considerable debate.

Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Hamza Rafia and Sayfallah Ltaief are also back in the group. Amine Cherni, whose selection had been requested for several months by sections of the Tunisian public, has been included as well.

The new manager has also introduced three players to the senior squad for the first time: Samy Chouchane, Sadok Kedida and Mohamed Nasraoui.

The transition has been accelerated by Elyes Skhiri’s international retirement and Rani Khedira’s decision to end his Tunisia career. Hannibal Mejbri, regarded as one of the players around whom the team could be rebuilt, will miss this camp because of injury.

Ali Abdi’s omission is another decision likely to attract attention. Before the World Cup, the Nice defender had caused controversy by saying he was prepared to prioritise his club, who were fighting to avoid relegation, over the national team. He later apologised.

Chaabani has not publicly linked Abdi’s absence to that episode, meaning it could be a sporting or disciplinary decision. Elias Saad, Saif-Eddine Khaoui, Firas Chaouat and Issam Jebali have also been left out.

The scale of the task extends beyond changing personnel. Tunisia had traditionally offset a less celebrated pool of players than some African rivals through tactical discipline, continuity and the strength of its domestic game. However, the progress made by several other continental teams, combined with disappointing performances at the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the World Cup, has exposed the gap.

After Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed during the World Cup and Herve Renard was unable to revive a team already struggling, Chaabani takes charge of a side searching for direction.

He must restore the discipline, organisation and consistency that once made Tunisia one of Africa’s most difficult teams to face, while bringing through a new generation. With the Tunisian Football Federation itself facing heavy criticism over its management, expectations will be immediate.

This squad is only the first step, but after the World Cup trauma, Tunisia can no longer afford to delay its reconstruction.