Tunisia's National Team Coach Sabri Lamouchi Announces Squad for 2026 World Cup
National Team Coach Sabri Lamouchi Reveals Squad for 2026 World Cup
Tunisia's national team coach Sabri Lamouchi announced the squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, stating that the technical staff has selected the most balanced group possible to prepare for the tournament and manage the competition effectively.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil the list of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Lamouchi emphasized that he made his choices after a long and thorough reflection, and he takes full responsibility for his decisions.
The coach explained that the selection process was particularly challenging due to the excellent performances of many players, both in the Tunisian league and abroad. Lamouchi stressed the importance of the mission entrusted to him, which is to lead one of the most regular African teams in the World Cup.
He also highlighted the fact that his status as national team coach does not allow for any favoritism, regardless of a player's media or popular weight. "There are no stars in this team, the only star today is the Tunisian national team," he emphasized, adding that he aims to get the best out of a group composed of the best available players.
Lamouchi also praised the strong attendance at Tunisian league matches, the passion of the fans, and their attachment to their clubs. After traveling extensively to supervise local players, he expressed his desire to see this same fervor transferred to the support of the national team and all its players, regardless of their club colors, under a single banner, that of Tunisia.
He acknowledged that each fan naturally wants to see their club's players wear the national jersey, but reminded that the selection is based on merit, not on popular wishes or pressure. The coach also explained that, although the final list includes only 26 players, several other players deserved a place, but regulatory constraints forced him to limit his choices.
Regarding the goalkeepers, Lamouchi praised Noureddine Farhati's performances with Stade Tunisien in the league, but explained that his absence from the final list was due to the current form of the trio Aymen Dahmène, Sabri Ben Hassen, and Mouhib Chamekh, who he believes have the best chances of occupying the starting goalkeeper position in the World Cup.
Lamouchi also discussed the absence of Ali Maaloul from the list, stating that he was impressed by the player's performance, which he observed firsthand during a match between CS Sfaxien and Etoile du Sahel at the Taïeb Mhiri stadium in Sfax. However, he ultimately preferred to call up Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida due to his versatility, discipline, and human and technical qualities.
The coach also praised Ferjani Sassi's performances with Al-Gharafa SC, while explaining that he is working to develop a new generation of players. However, he emphasized the importance of Sassi's experience and contribution to the national team whenever he joins the group.
Regarding Louay Ben Farhat, an attacker with Karlsruher SC, Lamouchi revealed that he was informed by the player's father of his refusal to join the selection. The coach strongly criticized this attitude, stating that he has definitively closed the file and reminded that no player is indispensable to the national team.
Finally, Lamouchi announced the national team's preparation program, which includes a training camp in Tabarka from May 18, followed by the gradual arrival of players in several groups on May 22 and 25. The team will then travel to Austria on May 30 to face the Austrian national team in a friendly match on June 1, before heading to Belgium on June 2 for another preparation match scheduled for June 6. The players will return to Tunisia before departing for the World Cup on June 7.
