2026 World Cup: Five negative records for Tunisia

25.06.26 FT World Cup

Tunisia

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Netherlands

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Already defeated by Sweden 1-5 and Japan 0-4 and eliminated from the tournament, Tunisia wrapped up their World Cup campaign with yet another loss, this time to the Netherlands.

While the 1-3 scoreline was flattering given the flow of the game and the gulf in class between the two teams, the Eagles of Carthage once again let their supporters down.

Here are five negative records from Tunisia’s participation:

- Tunisia ended their disastrous run at the 2026 World Cup bottom of Group F with zero points—a first in their history. In their previous six appearances, even though they never reached the knockout stage, the Tunisians always managed at least one point.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

- The defeat against the Netherlands marked their fifth consecutive loss across all competitions, another unwanted first since August-September 1987.

- The Tunisian side conceded three goals in four straight matches—something that had never happened in their history.

- Against the Netherlands, Tunisia conceded two quick goals: an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri (3’) and a strike from Brian Brobbey (7’). This is unprecedented in any major tournament (AFCON or World Cup).

- By conceding 12 goals in 3 matches, Tunisia became the second African team to let in the most goals at a World Cup, behind Cameroon’s 11 in 1994. Only DR Congo, then known as Zaire, did worse with 14 goals conceded in 1974.

2026 World Cup, a nightmare for the Eagles of Carthage

Never before have the Tunisians performed so poorly in their six previous World Cup finals appearances. Back in their debut in 1978, Tunisia made history by defeating Mexico (3-1) with goals from Kaabi, Ghommidh, and Dhouib. After a loss to Poland (1-0), Chetali’s men held West Germany to a goalless draw (0-0).

Twenty years later, the Eagles of Carthage managed a point with a draw against Romania (1-1), thanks to a penalty from Iskander Souayah—their only goal of the tournament. Even the losses to England and Colombia were not as heavy as those recorded in 2026. In 2022, Tunisia fell to Russia (0-2) and Japan (0-2), but held Belgium to a draw (1-1) with a fine goal from Raouf Bouzaiene.

In 2006, Tunisia again managed the bare minimum with a single point. After a disappointing draw with Saudi Arabia (2-2), Roger Lemerre’s men lost to Spain (3-1) and Ukraine (1-0). Twelve years later in Russia, Tunisia grabbed their second-ever win at the tournament by beating Panama (2-1) after defeats to England (2-1) and Belgium (5-2).

In Qatar, Tunisia earned 4 points but still finished third in their group, despite a solid draw with Denmark (0-0) and a famous victory over France (1-0). The loss to Australia proved fatal for the North Africans (0-1).

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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