Ben Romdhane’s last-minute goal sends Tunisia to World Cup 2026

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Photo:Reuters

In a thrilling night of football in Malabo, Tunisia secured their spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A last-minute strike from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave the Carthage Eagles a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, sparking celebrations across Tunisia and cementing their place among the first African nations heading to the expanded tournament.

The Decisive Goal in Added Time

The match was evenly contested, with Equatorial Guinea creating several dangerous chances and Tunisia struggling against the humid conditions and bumpy pitch. For 90 minutes, the game remained locked at 0-0, with both teams fighting hard to break the deadlock.

Then, in the 94th minute, substitute forward Firas Chaouat used his strength and quick thinking to escape his marker. Spotting an opportunity, he passed the ball into the path of Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. The 26-year-old midfielder, who joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly earlier this year, did not hesitate. With calm composure, he struck the ball past the goalkeeper to seal Tunisia’s qualification.

The stadium fell silent as Equatorial Guinea’s hopes were crushed, while Tunisia’s bench and traveling supporters erupted with joy.

After the match, Ben Romdhane described the moment:

“When Firas Chaouat got the ball, I trusted him to beat his opponent. I moved into space, and when the chance came, I just focused on finishing. It was the toughest game we faced in the qualifiers, but we never gave up.”

Tunisia’s Journey in the Qualifiers

Tunisia entered this match needing just a point to confirm qualification, but they wanted to finish in style. The Carthage Eagles have been dominant in Group H, collecting 22 points from eight matches. They sit 10 points ahead of second-placed Namibia, who still have a game to play but can no longer catch Tunisia.

This strong campaign was built on discipline, team unity, and moments of brilliance. Ben Romdhane himself has been key, scoring the only goal in their earlier 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in matchday three. Other players such as Hannibal Mejbri from Burnley, veteran midfielder Ferjani Sassi, and goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said also played crucial roles in keeping the team balanced and resilient.

Midfielder Ferjani Sassi praised the team’s mental strength:

“Equatorial Guinea had their chances, and the conditions were tough. But we stayed patient, we adapted, and we kept believing. That belief gave us the win in the final minute.”

The Coach Behind the Success

Tunisia’s success is also credited to head coach Sami Trabelsi. A former defender who once captained Tunisia at the 1998 World Cup in France, Trabelsi has brought experience, tactical knowledge, and discipline to the team. He has managed to blend local talent with internationally based players, creating a squad that represents Tunisian football’s diversity.

By including players from clubs in nine different countries, Trabelsi has ensured a mix of European sharpness, Middle Eastern strength, and African passion. His leadership has given Tunisia a clear vision — not just to qualify but to make history at the next World Cup.

Tunisia’s History at the World Cup

This qualification marks Tunisia’s seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Their journey began in 1978, when they made history as the first African team to win a World Cup match by defeating Mexico 3-1 in Argentina.

Since then, Tunisia has built a reputation as consistent qualifiers but have struggled to progress past the group stage. Out of 18 matches played in World Cup history, Tunisia has won just three. Their most recent victory came in 2022 in Qatar, where they beat defending champions France 1-0, though it was not enough to advance.

This time, Tunisia and their fans are hopeful. The 2026 tournament, expanded to 48 teams, gives them a better chance to progress. With nine guaranteed spots for African nations and possibly a tenth through intercontinental playoffs, African teams are expected to make a stronger impact than ever before.

Fan Reactions and Celebrations

Back in Tunisia, the victory was celebrated with fireworks, songs, and dancing in the streets. Fans gathered in cafes and homes stayed glued to their screens until the final whistle, erupting with joy when Ben Romdhane scored. For many, the victory symbolized pride, resilience, and hope.

One fan in Tunis said:

“We waited all night for that goal, and when it came, it was like a dream. This team gives us hope that Tunisia can finally achieve something great at the World Cup.”

Another supporter added:

“We always qualify, but this time feels different. With young players like Hannibal Mejbri and experienced leaders like Sassi, we can go further.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Tunisia now has time to prepare for the World Cup. The focus will be on strengthening the squad, playing more international friendlies, and building chemistry. The challenge is not just to compete but to go beyond the group stage for the first time.

Coach Sami Trabelsi has already hinted at focusing on tactical discipline and improving the team’s finishing ability. The victory against Equatorial Guinea showed resilience, but against bigger nations in North America, Tunisia will need to be sharper in attack.

Fans will also look to star players like Ben Romdhane, Hannibal Mejbri, and Youssef Msakni to lead the charge.

Africa’s Rising Presence

Tunisia’s qualification is also part of a larger African story. With Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in Qatar 2022 and Senegal’s growing strength, African football is gaining respect worldwide. The expanded World Cup in 2026 provides a stage for Africa to push further.

Tunisia hopes to follow Morocco’s example by combining discipline with ambition. The Carthage Eagles believe that their seventh World Cup could finally be the one where they break their long-standing barrier.

Tunisia World Cup 2026 qualification