Tunisia travel to Equatorial Guinea with World Cup qualification within reach

Tunisia’s national football team will travel to Equatorial Guinea on Sunday as they prepare for a decisive fixture in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The Carthage Eagles are set to face Equatorial Guinea on Monday in Malabo, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 local time at the New Stadium.

The encounter marks the eighth round of Group H fixtures and could prove pivotal in confirming Tunisia’s place at the global tournament.

Ahead of the match, Tunisia hold a commanding position at the top of the group standings.

With a seven-point advantage over their nearest challengers Namibia, the North Africans require just one more victory to mathematically secure qualification for the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The prospect of early qualification adds significant weight to the contest. A win in Malabo would not only guarantee Tunisia’s presence on football’s biggest stage but also underline their consistency throughout the qualification campaign.

The side has combined solid defensive organisation with clinical attacking play, allowing them to dominate the group thus far.

Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, will approach the match with pride and determination in front of their home supporters.

Though their hopes of qualification have diminished, the Nzalang Nacional remain a spirited and competitive opponent, particularly when playing in Malabo.

Tunisia, therefore, cannot afford complacency despite their strong position.

For coach Jalel Kadri and his squad, the mission is clear. Victory in Malabo would allow the team to shift focus towards preparations for the finals with two qualification rounds still to play.

That cushion could also provide opportunities to rotate the squad and give younger players valuable international experience in the months ahead.

The game is also significant for Tunisian supporters, who have been closely following their team’s progress.

A confirmed place at the 2026 World Cup would mark another chapter in the nation’s proud history of appearances at the tournament, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing powers.

As the team departs for Equatorial Guinea, the focus is on maintaining discipline and composure in what is expected to be a demanding fixture. Playing away from home in African qualifiers often presents unique challenges, from travel fatigue to difficult conditions on unfamiliar pitches.

Tunisia’s ability to handle those variables has been one of their strengths, and they will look to draw on that experience again on Monday.

For Equatorial Guinea, the match offers an opportunity to test themselves against one of the continent’s strongest sides.

They may no longer be in contention for qualification, but the chance to upset Tunisia and delay their celebrations provides plenty of motivation.

Ultimately, the stage is set for a contest that carries different stakes for both sides. For Tunisia, it is about securing their ticket to North America and celebrating early qualification. For Equatorial Guinea, it is about defending home turf and leaving their mark on the campaign.

The Carthage Eagles know that one more step is all that separates them from their goal. A win in Malabo would seal their place among the world’s elite in 2026, turning Monday’s clash into one of the most important fixtures of their qualifying journey.