Expert opinion: What profile for Tunisia's new head coach?

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Foot Africa

·6 January 2026

Expert opinion: What profile for Tunisia's new head coach?

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What profile for Tunisia's new head coach?

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Sami Trabelsi/@l'Equipe

Tunisia is on the hunt for a new head coach ahead of upcoming competitions, most notably the 2026 World Cup.

Former coach Sami Trabelsi was relieved of his duties following the Carthage Eagles' elimination by Mali (3-2 on penalties) in the round of 16 of the tournament.

To discuss the ideal profile for Tunisia's new head coach, Foot Africa sought the insights of Tunisian journalist Zied Jendoubi, who shared the following thoughts:

Today, football fans in Tunisia unanimously agree on the need to appoint a foreign manager, given the limited achievements of local coaches in recent years.The future coach of the Carthage Eagles will also need to have a strong personality, capable of fending off any attempts at interference from influential members within the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF).From a tactical standpoint, it's essential that his philosophy aligns with Tunisia's football culture, which favors a compact defensive block and swift transitions.

Tunisia's record at AFCON 2025

The North African side had a disappointing run at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

They managed just one victory, against Uganda in the group stage (3-1), were held to a draw by Tanzania (1-1), and suffered defeats to Nigeria (2-3) and Mali (2-3 on penalties).