Ahead of the upcoming 2026 North America World Cup, Tunisia has made a major surprise announcement with its squad selection. New head coach Sami Lamouchi has prioritized youth, leaving out long-serving veteran and captain Ferjani Sassi from the final squad. Experienced defender Yassine Meriah has also been dropped.
The contributions of Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah to Tunisian football are undeniable. Sassi, who has earned 101 international caps, has long served as the team’s midfield leader. Meanwhile, Meriah, on the verge of reaching 100 appearances (currently 99), has been a key pillar in defense. However, since Tunisia’s exit from the Round of 16 in the African Nations Cup in January, a wave of change had been underway. Following that failure, coach Sami Trabelsi was dismissed and Lamouchi was appointed as the new head coach.
In March, Lamouchi closely monitored player performances in two friendly matches against Haiti and Canada. Based on that evaluation, he made this bold decision. A number of young talents have been included in his new project. In particular, the inclusion of 21-year-old winger Khalil Ayari and teenage footballer Ryan El Oumi has surprised many. Despite having only two international appearances each, the coach is placing his trust in these two young prospects for the World Cup.
This will be the seventh appearance at the global stage for the North African nation. However, the challenge will not be easy at all. Tunisia have been drawn into Group F, where they will face football powerhouses the Netherlands, Asian giants Japan, and the resilient European side Sweden.
With the departure of experienced players and the arrival of a new generation, fans are now waiting to see how far this “revolutionary” Tunisia squad can go in the World Cup.