Eagles of Carthage collapse against Sweden and Japan in World Cup 2026 opener
Tunisia (the Eagles of Carthage) lost 5-1 to Sweden then 4-0 to Japan, exiting the tournament after just two games. The latest defeat to the Netherlands (1-3) on 2026-06-25 confirmed a slump, with a record of 0 wins, 0 draws, 5 losses in the last five matches.
What triggered the collapse?
The harsh results exposed deep issues inside the Tunisian Football Federation. Arabic daily Al Chourouk blamed a "football mafia" as a primary cause, while French newspaper Le Temps pointed to clientelism and inter‑club infighting favoring undeserving players. Inkyfada reported an "unofficial quota policy" that ensures certain domestic players are called up to satisfy major clubs.
Fan reaction in Tunisia
Supporters showed clear discontent; a coffee‑shop owner in Tunis said he set his alarm for the Japan match but changed his mind and went back to sleep. This disengagement reflects waning enthusiasm due to late kickoff times and the time‑zone gap.
What lies ahead?
After Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed, Hervé Renard took charge before the 4-0 loss to Japan. Yet his long‑term future remains uncertain amid administrative chaos. The team now faces the Netherlands in the final group game, with expectations of further criticism if the decline continues.
