Sami Trabelsi, the new head coach of the Tunisia national football team, has made several adjustments to his squad ahead of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In his first selection since taking charge last month, Trabelsi has introduced on March 13 fresh faces as Tunisia looks to maintain their position at the top of Group H, and secure a place in the 2026 World Cup in North America. The squad will face Liberia on March 19 in Monrovia, before returning home to play Malawi on March 24 at the Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium in Radès.
The 26-man squad features four new additions, including goalkeepers Sami Helal and Abdessalem Hlaoui, as well as centre-back Hamza Ben Abda and defender Houssem Ben Romdhane. There is also a recall for striker Firas Chaouat, who has not been called up in four years, while Anis Slimane and Naïm Sliti return after their involvement in the last TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, eight players who were dropped from previous squads are now back in contention.
One notable omission from Trabelsi’s squad is any representation from Tunisian champions and TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finalists Esperance, which is unusual for the national team. The new coach has made a bold move by leaving out players from the prominent club, focusing instead on a diverse selection from various leagues across Europe, the Middle East, and Tunisia. The squad will be hoping to continue their strong World Cup qualification campaign and take another step towards a seventh World Cup appearance.