How will Tunisia fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at Les Aigles de Carthage in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Tunisia History at the World Cup
After gaining independence from France in 1956, Tunisia steadily evolved as a footballing nation, eventually qualifying for their first World Cup in 1978 with the aging squad of what is still deemed today their ‘golden generation’.
In South America, the Eagles of Carthage equipped themselves well, becoming the first African side to win a World Cup fixture by beating Mexico in their tournament opener.
A narrow loss to Poland and an admirable draw with reigning champions West Germany saw them just miss out on progressing from their group.
This was an encouraging introduction to the global stage but sadly then came decline, with Tunisia absent from the competition for the next two decades, their golden generation long retired.
🇹🇳 Tunisia qualify for sixth World Cup finals 🎉 #UCL pic.twitter.com/dmixMDNhsU
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 30, 2022
In recent years however, they’ve found a way back, reaching three consecutive finals between 1998 and 2006 and then participating four years ago in Russia.
Granted, Tunisia have yet to compete in a knock-out game in the finals but last year’s AFCN quarter-finalists are in good shape to do so on this occasion, with decent technical players throughout the side.
So long as they’ve allowed, that is.
Even at this late juncture there remains a doubt about Tunisia’s involvement in Qatar, with FIFA seriously troubled by the Tunisian government meddling in footballing matters, in doing so undermining the country’s football federation.
A tournament ban cannot be ruled out.
Tunisia Nickname
The national team is colloquially known as Les Aigles de Carthage (The Eagles of Carthage) and if the players are at a disadvantage on the pitch, they can at least lay claim to having the coolest nickname in the competition.
The ancient city of Carthage was once one of the most influential and affluent of the classical world. It now makes up part of Tunis, the country’s capital.
A bald eagle meanwhile, is prominent on the team’s badge.
World Cup 2022 Group
World champions four years away, and with an all-star cast, France have to be strongly fancied to lead the charge out of Group D though Denmark are dangerous too. Ranked 11th in the world, the Danes impressed by going deep at Euro 2020.
For Tunisia to reach the last 16 for the first time, one of these giants must be slayed, while a result against group outsiders Australia is a must.
Tunisia Fixtures:
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Tunisia vs Denmark - 22nd November 2022
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Tunisia vs Australia - 26th November 2022
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Tunisia vs France - 30th November 2022
Tunisia Kit World Cup 2022
Subtle print patterns are everywhere at this World Cup and Tunisia’s home and away kits are no exception, with Kappa honouring the Carthaginian military leader Hannibal and the distinctive armour that he favoured in battle.
Both shirts are identical save for a switching of colours from red on white, to white on red. The third shirt, however, is a thing of beauty.
🚨 Shirt Alert 🚨
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) October 14, 2022
Tunisia release their new third shirt! The colour has been chosen to reflect and celebrate their historical culture around the olive tree. pic.twitter.com/olKv13DQAc
Who Is The Tunisia Manager?
Jalel Kadri’s former clubs could form a league, such is their high number and it’s disconcerting that a relatively young manager has burned through so many opportunities since first stepping into a dug-out in 2001.
A short stint coaching the under 20s and two spells as an assistant at national level means he is a familiar presence within the Tunisian set-up.
Best Tunisia Player
Montpellier forward Wahbi Khazri will be known to Sunderland fans, after making 38 appearances in the North-East before departing in 2018.
With 24 goals in 71 international outings, the 31-year-old is the one to watch in the live betting markets, his eye for a strike making him a constant threat.
A Wahbi Khazri wonder strike! ✨
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 31, 2021
This has to be one of the best goals you'll see this season... 😮💨
From 𝙬𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙮 inside his own half! pic.twitter.com/Q68NKTcGzt
Tunisia Odds at 2022 World Cup
The Eagles of Carthage are 13/2 in the World Cup betting to overcome Denmark in their opening game and its 90 minutes that will define their whole adventure.
With a good defensive record of late and an industrious midfield, Tunisia certainly have the means to frustrate their betters.
Elsewhere, progress beyond Group D is the sum of their ambitions and if you were unfortunate enough to get Tunisa in the office sweepstake, there is very little need to keep hold of your slip.
Bet on Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!
