In a significant leadership shift for Tunisian football, Ellyes Skhiri has been named captain of the national team for the upcoming World Cup, following the surprising omission of veteran midfielder Ferjani Sassi from the final 26-man squad. Sassi, who earned 101 international caps, was a cornerstone of Tunisia's midfield for years, but head coach Jalel Kadri has opted for a new direction, handing the armband to the 28-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt star.
Skhiri, who made his debut for the Carthage Eagles in 2018, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having played in all six of Tunisia's World Cup matches across the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, he's no stranger to the biggest stage. His leadership and composure in midfield will be crucial as Tunisia navigates a challenging group.
The squad also features several intriguing new faces. Rani Khedira, the 32-year-old brother of World Cup winner Sami Khedira, has finally completed his naturalization process and earned his first call-up after making his debut in the last international break. It's a remarkable story—while his brother lifted the trophy with Germany in 2014, Rani is now set to represent Tunisia at the game's highest level.
Joining Khedira are two rising talents from FC Augsburg: Ismael Gharbi, a promising midfielder, and Elias Saad, currently on loan at promotion-chasing Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga. The defensive line is bolstered by Hertha BSC's former center-back Omar Rekik, adding depth to the back four.
One notable absence is Louey Ben Farhat, who was excluded at his father's request—a rare and personal decision that highlights the human side of squad selection.
Looking at the group stage, Tunisia faces a daunting task. They've been drawn alongside Japan, Sweden, and the Netherlands in Group F, with the Dutch being the only team yet to finalize their squad. It's a tough path, but with Skhiri leading from the front and a blend of experience and youthful energy, the Eagles have reasons for optimism.
Here's the full Tunisia World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hessen (Etoile Sahel), Abdelmouhib Chamakh (Club Africain), Aymen Dahman (CS Sfaxien)
Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Adem Arous (Kasimpasa), Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Esperance), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneva), Raed Chikhaoui (US Monastir), Moutaz Neffati (Norrkoping), Omar Rekik (NK Maribor), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa), Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City), Ismael Gharbi (FC Augsburg), Rani Khedira (Union Berlin), Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Forwards: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Khalil Ayari (Paris St Germain), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic)