Tunisia name World Cup squad with Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi and Khalil Ayari, omit Ferjani Sassi | OneFootball

Sabri Lamouchi has named Tunisia’s 26-man World Cup squad, with Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi and Paris-SG forward Khalil Ayari included, and former captain Ferjani Sassi left out. L'Équipe reports that the Aigles de Carthage will face Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands in Group F.

Lamouchi, 54, a former France international of Tunisian origin with 12 caps and one goal, was appointed on 14 January after the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 defeat by Mali. He announced the list in Tunis on Friday for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, from 11 June to 19 July.

Chasing a first progression beyond the first round in seven World Cup appearances, he has omitted experienced figures such as centre-back Yassine Meriah, 32, with 95 caps and 6 goals, and forward Seiffeddine Jaziri, 33, with 44 caps and 11 goals.

Lorient defender Talbi, 27, with 62 caps and 4 goals, and Nice left-back Abdi, 32, with 45 caps and 7 goals, will each be at their second World Cup. The squad also features promising youngsters blooded in March friendlies against Haiti, a 1-0 win, and Canada, a 0-0 draw, among them Khalil Ayari, 21, capped twice, in the Paris-SG youth ranks.

Tunisia warm up against Austria on 1 June, then Belgium on 6 June.

Source: L'Équipe