Tunisia fell out of World Cup 2026 after a 1-5 loss to Sweden, and a clenbuterol scandal now threatens the squad's future.

What are the details of the scandal?

British Daily Mail reports confirmed at least eight positive clenbuterol samples among the team's players. The substance is banned by WADA and is commonly used in bodybuilding. Officials link its presence to contaminated meat eaten during the stay in Mexico, where the drug is used to fatten cattle.

How did the scandal affect performance?

After exiting the group stage, the Eagles of Carthage lost 0-5 to the Netherlands and 0-4 to Japan, finishing the tournament in 47th place. Their recent form reads 0W-2D-3L (LLDDL) with two consecutive defeats. The last result was a 5-0 loss to Belgium on 2026-06-06.

What are the possible consequences?

Coach Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed, and there are plans to drop several stars before the next qualifiers. Still, WADA may clear the players if it proves the exposure was accidental through contaminated meat.

Has anything similar happened before?

In 2011, Mexico faced a clenbuterol crisis during the Gold Cup, with five players suspended then exonerated after proving they ate contaminated meat. FIFA allowed them to return without sanctions, a precedent Tunisia might cite if intent is disproved.