Entering its sixth World Cup, Tunisia is still seeking glory on global soccer’s biggest stage. The small northern African nation has captured just two total wins in 15 World Cup matches. In 2018, it kept level with England for most of 90 minutes, but a late Harry Kane goal and a subsequent 5–2 defeat to Belgium sealed its fate as just another group stage participant.
The Carthage Eagles reached Qatar by beating a talented Mali side 1–0 on a two-match aggregate in the final round of qualifying. That matchup was a good indicator of what Tunisia will bring: An organized side with a strong midfield that will be difficult for most teams to break down.
Dominant wins in friendlies against Chile and World Cup-bound Japan only bolstered the team’s confidence. In both matches, Tunisia lost the possession battle but won by scoring multiple goals on the counter, a recipe that could prove vital if it hopes to pick up results against its more technically gifted groupmates.
