Tunisia at the World Cup

Tunisia have made it through the qualifying rounds of the World Cup on seven occasions, in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022 and 2026. The team has never progressed past the group stage.

Tunisia won many admirers for African football in their first appearance at a World Cup finals in 1978, beating Mexico and holding world champions Germany to a draw, before exiting the tournament after the first round.

It was not until 20 years later that Tunisia returned to the finals where they were in a tough group with England, Colombia and Romania and not unexpectedly failed to survive the first stage.

They qualified again for the 2002 tournament but again put up a disappointing showing, earning a single point from a dour meeting with Belgium before heading home early.

The best result was at their first appearance in 1978, finishing in 9th place. In 1978 they won just one of their matches. The only times they have won another match was in 2018 and 2022.

1978

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group 2 at the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

1998

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group G at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

2002

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group H at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2006

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group H at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2018

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group G at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2022

Tunisia didn't make it out of Group D at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2026

Tunisia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their fourth straight appearance at the finals. They were drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.

Tunisia lost all three of their matches and finished bottom of the group, eliminated after their opening two defeats. They were the only African team to be eliminated in the group stage. They finished bottom of the group.

Trivia

• Tunisia was the first team to win a qualifying match on penalty shootout when they won 4:2 on penalties over Morocco after a 1:1 tie at home on 9 Jan 1977.