Tunisia Secures Spot in 2026 FIFA World Cup with Dramatic Win
Tunisia has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a dramatic stoppage-time victory against Equatorial Guinea.
The North African team faced considerable pressure throughout the match in Malabo, as the hosts were also seeking a win to maintain their hopes of reaching the finals.
Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen played a crucial role for Tunisia, making a series of impressive saves in the second half, thwarting attempts from Saul Coco, Emilio Nsue, and Alejandro Masogo.
As Equatorial Guinea pressed for a goal, Tunisia capitalized on a counterattack in the final moments of the match, during the last of four added minutes.
Firas Chaouat intercepted the ball from Coco, advanced into the penalty area, and selflessly passed to Mohamed Ben Romdhane, who scored past goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
With this victory, Tunisia has secured the top position in Group H with two matches remaining and has reached the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States without conceding a single goal in their eight qualifying matches so far.
This will mark the seventh appearance for the national team at the World Cup, although they have yet to progress beyond the group stage.
On the other hand, Equatorial Guinea's aspirations for their first World Cup qualification seem increasingly unlikely, as only the four best-ranked second-place teams in Africa will advance to the continental playoffs.
The National Thunder currently sit fourth in Group H, trailing second-placed Namibia by two points while having played one additional match.
Additionally, the Equatoguinean federation has appealed a FIFA decision that imposed two forfeits due to fielding an ineligible player earlier in the qualifying campaign. A successful appeal could elevate them back to second place in the group.
Tunisia becomes the second African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, following their North African rivals Morocco, who secured their spot on Friday.
In other matches, Morocco maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over Zambia, thanks to goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and Hamza Igamane. Algeria can edge closer to qualification with an away win against Guinea later on Monday, while Egypt could secure their place in the finals on Tuesday if they claim all three points against Burkina Faso.