Last-Gasp Goal Sends Tunisia to 2026 World Cup

The victory punches Tunisia's ticket to the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making the Eagles of Carthage the second African nation to qualify, following 2022 semifinalists Morocco.

The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when Al Ahly midfielder Ben Romdhane, set up by Firas Chaouat, found the back of the net. The goal gave Tunisia an unassailable lead in Group H with 22 points from eight matches, a lead second-placed Namibia cannot overcome. It was a familiar role for the 26-year-old, who also scored the lone goal in their previous encounter with Equatorial Guinea last year.
 

"When Firas Chaouat received the ball in the final moments, I knew he was going to get the better of the Equatorial Guinean player," Ben Romdhane told Tunisian TV. "So I moved forward and put myself in a good position to score."

The match in Malabo was a challenging affair, with players battling difficult pitch conditions and humidity.

"It was the toughest match of the qualifiers, and we expected it," said midfielder Ferjani Sassi. "They had many chances, but we were ready. We believed in ourselves until the very end.”

Under the guidance of coach Sami Trabelsi, who captained the nation at the 1998 World Cup, the diverse squad featuring players from nine different countries, including Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri, held firm to secure the historic win.


This marks Tunisia's seventh World Cup qualification. The nation will now hope to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in its history. Africa is guaranteed at least nine spots in the 48-team tournament, with a potential tenth available through an intercontinental playoff.