Tunisia have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after snatching a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.
The Carthage Eagles, who endured sustained pressure for much of the game, relied heavily on goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, who produced a string of superb saves to deny Saul Coco, Emilio Nsue, and Alejandro Masogo in the second half.
With the hosts desperately pushing forward in search of a lifeline to keep their own qualification hopes alive, Tunisia struck on the counter in the final minute of added time. Firas Chaouat dispossessed Coco, drove into the box, and unselfishly squared the ball for Mohamed Ben Romdhane to calmly slot past Jesus Owono for the decisive goal.
The victory confirms Tunisia’s place at next summer’s finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as they sealed top spot in Group H with two matches to spare. Remarkably, the North Africans have yet to concede a single goal in their eight qualifiers.
This will be Tunisia’s seventh appearance at a World Cup, although the team has never advanced beyond the group stage.
Equatorial Guinea’s hopes of reaching the tournament for the first time remain slim. The National Thunder are currently fourth in Group H, two points adrift of second-placed Namibia, and have played a game more. Their federation, however, has appealed FIFA’s decision to hand them two forfeits for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the qualifiers. A successful appeal could restore them to second place.
Tunisia become the second African nation to confirm their ticket to the 2026 finals, following Morocco’s qualification on Friday. The Atlas Lions maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over Zambia, courtesy of goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and Hamza Igamane.
Meanwhile, Algeria can edge closer to qualification with a win away to Guinea later on Monday, while Egypt will secure their place if they defeat Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
