Tunisia

Tunisia carry one of African football's proudest World Cup traditions into 2026. The Eagles of Carthage first announced themselves on this stage back in the 1970s, when they became the first African side to win a match at the finals, and they have been familiar faces at the tournament ever since, qualifying regularly across the modern era. The knockout rounds have always stayed just out of reach, but Tunisian teams have made a habit of frustrating bigger names — including memorable group-stage scalps against European heavyweights in recent editions.

The 2026 draw has handed them a genuinely intriguing Group F. The Netherlands arrive as the obvious favourites with their deep well of tournament pedigree, Japan have grown into one of the most consistent and tactically polished sides in Asia, and Sweden bring the physical, organised edge that has long defined Scandinavian football. For Tunisia, whose strength lies in defensive discipline and counter-punching, it is a group where one well-timed result could reshape everything.

Tunisia open against Sweden — 14 Jun 2026, 20:00 local at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, then stay in the same city to face Japan — 20 Jun 2026, 22:00 local at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, before closing against the Netherlands — 25 Jun 2026, 18:00 local at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Two matches in Monterrey give the North African fanbase a real chance to turn the Estadio BBVA into a home away from home.

The expanded 48-team format changes the calculus for a side like Tunisia. The top two in Group F advance automatically, but eight of the twelve third-placed teams also reach the new Round of 32 — meaning a single win and a hard-earned draw might be enough to deliver the knockout football that has eluded this nation for generations. That opener against Sweden suddenly looks like one of the most consequential matches in Tunisian football history.