2026 World Cup: A look back at Tunisia's six previous appearances | OneFootball

A review of Tunisia's six participations in the World Cup

Tunisia/@FTF

Tunisia secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Equatorial Guinea (0-1) thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.

This victory in Malabo allowed the Carthage Eagles to qualify for the finals for the seventh time, their third in a row. Let's take a look back at Tunisia's first six appearances at the World Cup finals.

Argentina 1978

Tunisia qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in 1978. Chetali's men made history with a victory over Mexico (3-1), thanks to goals from Kaabi, Ghommidh, and Dhouib. They then lost to Poland (1-0) before holding West Germany to a draw (0-0). That wasn't enough to progress to the second round.

France 1998

Twenty years later, Tunisia returned to the World Cup, but their run fell short of expectations as they finished bottom of their group with just one point, earned in a draw against Romania (1-1). Iskander Souayah had scored Tunisia's only goal from the penalty spot.

Japan-South Korea 2002

For their third World Cup appearance, Tunisia were once again eliminated in the group stage, collecting just one point after a draw with Belgium (1-1). Everyone remembers that fine goal from Raouf Bouzaiene. The team suffered two defeats, against Russia (2-0) and Japan (0-2).

Germany 2006

Once again, just one point! That was also Tunisia's tally in 2006. After a disappointing draw with Saudi Arabia (2-2), Roger Lemerre's side lost to Spain (3-1) and Ukraine (1-0).

Russia 2018

After missing the 2010 edition in South Africa and 2014 in Brazil, Tunisia returned to the World Cup in Russia. They claimed only their second win in the competition's history, beating Panama (1-2) after suffering defeats to England (2-1) and Belgium (5-2).

Qatar 2022

In Qatar, Tunisia picked up 4 points but finished third in their group, despite a solid draw against Denmark (0-0) and a win over France (1-0). The defeat to Australia proved fatal for the North Africans (0-1).