Sami Trabelsi has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Tunisia national football team, marking a significant return to the helm after more than a decade.
Trabelsi, who led Tunisia to victory in the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN), has accepted the role with minimal financial demands, showcasing his dedication to the nation’s footballing progress. His assistant coaching staff is set to be announced in the coming days.
This appointment signals a homecoming for the experienced tactician, who previously managed the Carthage Eagles from 2011 to 2013, guiding them to the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in both years.
After stepping down in 2013, Trabelsi took charge of Qatari club Al-Sailiya, where he spent ten years before departing in 2023.
Photo by Getty Images
The 57-year-old also worked as a sports analyst for Qatari television channels for many years, further expanding his knowledge of the game.
Trabelsi is a former player of Tunisian club Sfaxien and Qatari side Al-Rayyan, making him well-versed in both North African and Middle Eastern football cultures.
AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026 Campaigns Await
Tunisia is drawn in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament, hosted in Morocco, is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Meanwhile, in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Tunisia has been placed in Group H, where they will compete against Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The Carthage Eagles have made a strong start in the qualifiers, amassing 10 points from four games with three wins and one draw. The qualifiers are set to resume in March 2025, with Tunisia aiming to solidify their position at the top of the group.
The Tunisian Football Federation’s decision to reinstate Trabelsi underscores their confidence in his expertise and leadership. His track record with the national team, coupled with a decade of experience abroad, makes him a compelling choice to steer Tunisia through upcoming international challenges.
