After the 2026 World Cup fiasco, will the FTF follow the Saudi example?

The fallout from the 2026 World Cup was swift and decisive. Following Saudi Arabia’s elimination in the group stage, Saudi Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal announced his resignation, taking full responsibility for the team’s failure.

In a message posted on his (X) account, the Saudi official stated that the results fell short of the nation’s footballing ambitions.

Having held the role since 2019, he explained that stepping down before the end of his term was necessary to turn the page and allow new leadership to emerge.

Resignations, backlash, and public anger: what future for the FTF?

In Tunisia, the context is different but the questions are strikingly similar. After the disastrous campaign by the Carthage Eagles at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, mounting pressure is weighing on the Tunisian Football Federation, led by Moez Nasri and his vice-president Hussein Jenayah.

The Tunisian squad opened their journey with a heavy loss to Sweden (5-1), a defeat that led to Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal and the appointment of Frenchman Hervé Renard. However, the coaching change failed to shift the momentum, as Tunisia went on to suffer further defeats against Japan (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-1).

These results have sparked widespread anger among Tunisian fans and intensified criticism of the federation’s leadership. Demands for accountability are growing, and several members of the executive committee are rumored to have already stepped down.

In this tense climate, a pressing question emerges: will the Tunisian Federation take responsibility for this failure as their Saudi counterparts did, or will Moez Nasri’s board cling to power despite the mounting pressure?

2026 World Cup: Five negative records for Tunisia

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

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