Trabelsi: "If I don't manage to qualify Tunisia for the 2026 World Cup, I will leave"

Tunisia's new coach Sami Trabelsi has unveiled his first goal at the helm of the Eagles of Carthage.

During the press conference for his official presentation on Friday by the Tunisian Football Federation, Trabelsi outlined his immediate aims.

"I will strive with the entire technical team to achieve what we hope for," said the 57-year-old former national team player.

He added: "The first objective of my contract with the Tunisian Football Federation is to qualify the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and if we do not achieve this goal, I will immediately leave my position without hesitation.”

Trabelsi will lead the Tunisian national team for the second time after a previous stint between 2011 and 2013. He had notably taken his country to victory the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2011 in Sudan.

Trabelsi will already have to get to work as two matches await him in March against Liberia and Malawi, matches of the fifth and sixth days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Tunisia is currently at the top of Group H of the qualifiers with 10 points after four rounds, a record of three wins and a draw.

The Tunisian coach will also be responsible for bringing the Eagles of Carthage back on the right track on the continental scene.

The next edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 gives him the opportunity to correct the poor performances recorded by his country in previous editions.