World Cup 2026: Eight Tunisian players test positive for doping; incident linked with food contamination

At least eight Tunisia players tested positive for a banned substance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports in the British media, with early investigations suggesting the results may have been caused by contaminated food rather than deliberate doping.

British newspaper Daily Mail reported on Friday that traces of Clenbuterol were found in samples taken from members of the Tunisian squad during the tournament in Mexico.

Clenbuterol is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and is medically used to treat breathing conditions by widening airways. However, it remains banned in competitive sport because of its performance-enhancing effects.

Initial findings reportedly point towards contaminated meat consumed during Tunisia’s stay in Mexico as the likely source of the substance.

The report added that the clubs and football federations linked to the affected players have already been informed of the test results, although disciplinary action is not currently expected because investigators believe food contamination may have been responsible.

Tunisia’s difficult tournament takes another negative turn

The latest controversy adds to what was already a disastrous World Cup campaign for the North African side.

Tunisia exited the tournament after suffering three heavy defeats, losing 5-1 to Sweden, 4-0 to Japan and 3-1 to the Netherlands in a disappointing group-stage performance.

The team’s poor showing also led to the dismissal of the national team coach after the opening match, an unprecedented situation in World Cup history.

The Clenbuterol findings have also revived memories of previous incidents in Mexico, where athletes in international competitions tested positive for the same substance after consuming contaminated meat.

Several past investigations linked those positive results to food contamination rather than intentional doping, including cases involving continental competitions and youth tournaments.

No official response yet from Tunisia or FIFA

The Tunisian Football Federation has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reports.

FIFA has also declined to comment publicly on the matter so far, leaving uncertainty over whether further investigations or official announcements will follow in the coming days.