Tunisia is reportedly targeting French football icons Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira to lead the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The North African side’s early departure in the round of 16 at the hands of Mali prompted the dismissal of head coach Sami Trabelsi this week, leaving the position vacant ahead of the World Cup.
Sources suggest the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) is now focused on appointing a foreign coach rather than another local tactician.
Reports indicate that Tunisia plans to tap into FIFA funds allocated for World Cup qualifying to help finance the hiring of a high-profile coach.
According to Tunisna TV, both Henry and Vieira are on the FTF’s shortlist as they prepare for the tournament.
The federation faces a significant financial upgrade, as Trabelsi earned a reported €15,000 per month—far less than what a marquee appointment like Henry or Vieira would command.
For the 2026 World Cup, Tunisia has been drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and a team yet to emerge from the UEFA playoffs.
The FTF’s attention is now firmly on readying the squad for a challenging group stage.
